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The state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal encouraging locals to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This action follows a day after a major enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the AG stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations yesterday, I ask you to submit that footage with us. We are committed to examining these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers fields to submit visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to indicate location information. Before submitting, individuals must tick a box that states that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – often to tourists.

Videos of the incident reveal multiple masked and armed personnel restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is simply a justification to incite violence for this administration to deploy the armed forces to stop violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to community security and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and around the country this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous along with claims of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.