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The state attorney general has launched a fresh online portal asking locals to share images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Rallies erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," state officials wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations yesterday, I urge you to provide that evidence with my office. We are committed to examining these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a area to indicate geographic details. When submitting, individuals must check a box that confirms that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily en masse – typically to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show several covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of residents trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the troops to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to community security and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it does not arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has found that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies against immigration enforcement are widespread as are accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.