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New York state attorney general has introduced a new online portal encouraging residents to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This step comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

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

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to share that material with us. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal includes options to send visual evidence of the operation, plus a area to specify location information. When submitting, users must tick a box that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved dozens of government officers, happened in a well-known district of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation show multiple covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He noted the persons were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to halt unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," said the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has claimed it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

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

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are widespread along with claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter submitted by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.