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New York state AG has rolled out a new online portal encouraging locals to submit visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This action comes just a day after a major ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass outcry.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations recently, I urge you to submit that material with my office. We are pledged to assessing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form provides spaces to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a section to indicate location information. When submitting, individuals must check a option that confirms that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available widely – often to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of residents followed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action escalated – all three mayoral candidates condemned the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

NYC community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, external research has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting ICE are widespread as are allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.