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New York state AG has introduced a fresh online portal encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move follows a day after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that evidence with us. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The form offers options to send images and video footage of the operation, along with a field to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that confirms that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a well-known district of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show numerous hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the military to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

NYC community groups voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to target local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from apprehend American nationals. However, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including claims of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission submitted by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.