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The state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal asking locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This action follows a day after a major immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations during the raid, I urge you to provide that material with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform includes fields to upload photos and videos of the operation, plus a area to specify location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that states that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included more than 50 federal agents, happened in a well-known area of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded widely – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show several covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the armed forces to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City community groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to target local sellers working to survive. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has found that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace along with claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document provided by legal entities stated medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.