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New York state AG has introduced a fresh online portal encouraging residents to submit visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This move comes just a day after a significant ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"For those who saw and documented federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to provide that material with the authorities. We are committed to examining these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal provides options to submit visual evidence of the incident, as well as a area to note geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a checkbox that states that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a popular area of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show several covered and weaponized federal agents securing and holding a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to halt conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender wrote.

New York City community groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no connection to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it does not take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and across the US this year.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies opposing federal operations are widespread including allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.