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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh online portal encouraging citizens to provide images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a day after a significant enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to share that material with us. We are committed to examining these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal includes fields to upload images and video footage of the incident, along with a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included over fifty government officers, took place in a popular district of the city where counterfeit products and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict multiple hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for no reason." He said the individuals were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman stated. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the military to stop unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it does not take into custody American nationals. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace including accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.