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New York state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal asking citizens to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move follows a shortly after a major enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During Raid

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to provide that evidence with my office. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform includes fields to upload images and video footage of the operation, as well as a area to specify where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a famous district of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded en masse – often to tourists.

Recordings of the incident depict multiple masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He clarified the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for this administration to utilize the armed forces to stop violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – every political contenders criticized the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend American nationals. However, independent reporting has found that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country recently.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are ubiquitous including accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.