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New York state attorney general has launched a recent online portal urging citizens to share photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This action follows a shortly after a major immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations yesterday, I ask you to share that footage with my office. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal includes fields to submit images and video footage of the operation, along with a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, users must mark a box that confirms that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a famous district of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded en masse – often to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a person, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of residents followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the troops to stop violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – all three political contenders condemned the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

NYC community groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This operation had no connection to citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations targeting ICE are widespread including accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.