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The state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal encouraging locals to submit visual evidence of immigration raids around New York. This action comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to provide that material with the authorities. We are committed to examining these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form offers fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, plus a field to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, users must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved dozens of government officers, took place in a famous neighborhood of NYC where imitation products and additional items are regularly available en masse – typically to visitors.

Videos of the incident reveal numerous covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a man, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of residents followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the armed forces to stop violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the current administration selects oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no relation to community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," said the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it will not arrest or detain US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are widespread along with accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.