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New York state AG has launched a new online portal asking residents to share images and footage of immigration raids around New York. This move comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In Raid

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to submit that material with us. We are pledged to assessing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form includes spaces to send images and video footage of the incident, as well as a area to indicate location information. Before submitting, users must tick a box that states that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured more than 50 government officers, took place in a famous neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit products and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show multiple hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of locals pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

New York City community groups voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it will not apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace including claims of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter provided by legal entities alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.