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The state AG has launched a recent online portal asking citizens to submit visual evidence of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to share that material with my office. We are committed to examining these reports and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform offers options to upload images and video footage of the raid, along with a section to specify location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a option that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say featured over fifty government officers, happened in a popular neighborhood of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – often to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of locals pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a news conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for without cause." He clarified the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action escalated – each of the political contenders condemned the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," said the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and around the country this year.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests targeting federal operations are widespread along with accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.