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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal asking citizens to share images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This step comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," the AG stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to provide that material with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a option that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved over fifty federal agents, took place in a well-known area of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict numerous hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the troops to halt unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," a contender wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"Federal officers raided the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no relation to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it will not take into custody American nationals. However, independent reporting has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and around the country this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests opposing ICE are ubiquitous including allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.