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New York state AG has rolled out a recent online portal urging citizens to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This step follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the AG wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to provide that material with us. We are pledged to examining these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform offers options to submit visual evidence of the incident, as well as a field to specify location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that confirms that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a well-known area of the city where counterfeit products and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of locals trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the persons were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to prevent violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it will not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide lately.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests against ICE are widespread including claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter provided by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.