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The state AG has launched a fresh online portal asking residents to submit visual evidence of immigration raids around New York. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale protests.

US Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations recently, I encourage you to share that material with us. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal offers fields to submit photos and videos of the incident, along with a area to specify where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must tick a box that confirms that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured dozens of federal agents, took place in a well-known district of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are commonly traded widely – often to sightseers.

Videos of the operation depict multiple masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was also seen moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for the government to deploy the troops to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country lately.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing federal operations are commonplace along with accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter provided by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.