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New York state AG has launched a new online portal urging locals to submit images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This action comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Held In Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with my office. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form offers fields to send visual evidence of the raid, plus a area to indicate location information. When submitting, users must check a checkbox that confirms that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved more than 50 government officers, took place in a popular district of Manhattan where imitation products and merchandise are commonly traded en masse – typically to tourists.

Footage of the operation reveal several masked and armed personnel securing and holding a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of locals pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He said the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC community groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has claimed it does not take into custody American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies opposing federal operations are widespread as are accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter filed by legal entities claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.