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The state AG has introduced a new online portal asking locals to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This step comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread outcry.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to submit that footage with us. We are pledged to assessing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form offers fields to submit photos and videos of the raid, plus a area to specify geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must tick a option that acknowledges that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included over fifty federal agents, happened in a popular neighborhood of NYC where imitation products and additional items are regularly available en masse – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of residents pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was observed moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He noted the individuals were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests against federal operations are commonplace as are claims of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.