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The state attorney general has launched a new online portal asking citizens to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This action comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that material with my office. We are dedicated to examining these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal includes options to send photos and videos of the incident, plus a section to indicate location information. Before submitting, users must tick a box that acknowledges that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included over fifty federal agents, occurred in a famous district of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of the incident depict several hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of locals trailed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

In a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the individuals were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action escalated – every mayoral candidates criticized the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with community security and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it will not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests against ICE are widespread along with allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of women with child in government custody.