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New York state AG has rolled out a new online portal encouraging residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move follows a day after a significant enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity recently, I ask you to provide that material with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form provides options to send photos and videos of the incident, as well as a area to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must check a option that states that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a court case or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular area of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – typically to tourists.

Footage of the operation depict numerous hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of residents followed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose 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 provoke conflict for the government to utilize the military to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

The city's community groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from apprehend citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are ubiquitous along with accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.