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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal urging locals to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This action follows a day after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform offers spaces to submit images and video footage of the operation, along with a section to indicate geographic details. When submitting, individuals must tick a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included dozens of government officers, happened in a popular area of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily widely – typically to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of residents trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the armed forces to prevent unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates denounced the incident, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

New York City community groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it will not take into custody American nationals. However, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are widespread including accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter provided by legal entities stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.