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The state AG has rolled out a new online portal urging residents to provide visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that material with us. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers fields to upload images and video footage of the operation, as well as a field to note where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must mark a option that states that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a famous neighborhood of the city where fake products and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict numerous hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He said the individuals were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the military to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's community groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it does not apprehend American nationals. However, external research has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in New York and across the US lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission filed by legal entities stated healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.