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The state AG has introduced a recent online portal urging locals to submit images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This move follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," state officials wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to submit photos and videos of the incident, along with a field to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a famous district of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available widely – often to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show numerous covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the persons were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to target small merchants working to survive. This raid had no relation to community security and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and around the country this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting ICE are widespread as are claims of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document filed by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.