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The state AG has launched a fresh online portal asking citizens to submit images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This action comes just a day after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to submit that evidence with us. We are pledged to examining these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to note where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a checkbox that states that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a well-known area of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a person, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He said the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to stop violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – every mayoral candidates criticized the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on local sellers working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are widespread along with accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter submitted by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.