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The state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal urging locals to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This action comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity recently, I ask you to provide that material with my office. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form provides spaces to send visual evidence of the incident, plus a area to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must mark a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included over fifty federal agents, occurred in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available en masse – often to visitors.

Recordings of the incident reveal several covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents pursued the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the individuals were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This represents a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the troops to halt conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the raid, including the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it will not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a document provided by legal entities alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.