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The state AG has introduced a recent online portal urging residents to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move follows a day after a major ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that footage with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal provides spaces to submit photos and videos of the raid, as well as a section to note geographic details. Prior to sending, users must check a box that states that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved over fifty federal agents, occurred in a well-known area of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of the incident depict several masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

At a news conference featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He noted the persons were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the military to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – every mayoral candidates condemned the raid, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

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

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission filed by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.