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New York state AG has launched a new online portal encouraging residents to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This step follows a shortly after a significant immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity recently, I encourage you to share that material with my office. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides spaces to upload photos and videos of the operation, plus a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, users must check a box that confirms that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous district of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily en masse – typically to visitors.

Footage of the operation reveal several hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a person, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He noted the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the military to prevent unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to target small merchants working to survive. This action had no connection to citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it refrains from apprehend American nationals. However, external research has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations against federal operations are commonplace as are allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter filed by legal entities claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.