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The state AG has launched a fresh online portal urging residents to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This step follows a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Rallies occurred in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal offers spaces to upload photos and videos of the operation, plus a area to indicate location information. Before submitting, submitters must check a option that acknowledges that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved over fifty government officers, took place in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He said the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the armed forces to halt violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

The city's community groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to target local sellers trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it does not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are widespread as are allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Latest, a submission filed by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.