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New York state attorney general has introduced a new online portal asking locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids throughout New York. This step follows a day after a major ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," the AG declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations during the raid, I urge you to submit that evidence with us. We are committed to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal offers fields to upload photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to indicate location information. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a box that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved over fifty government officers, took place in a well-known area of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – often to tourists.

Footage of the incident reveal numerous masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of residents pursued the agents along the roads. An armored truck was also seen moving along the city streets.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC community groups expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it does not apprehend American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has found that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

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

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace as are claims of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a document filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.