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New York state attorney general has introduced a new online portal asking residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids throughout the state. This step comes just a day after a significant enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that evidence with us. We are pledged to examining these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The platform provides spaces to submit photos and videos of the raid, plus a field to specify location information. Before submitting, users must check a box that confirms that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included more than 50 federal agents, happened in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit products and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of the operation depict multiple masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a man, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of locals pursued the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the persons were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the military to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – every mayoral candidates condemned the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," a contender stated.

NYC community groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with community security and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it will not apprehend citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting ICE are commonplace including claims of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.