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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal urging citizens to share images and footage of immigration raids around New York. This action follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread outcry.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to share that material with the authorities. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform provides options to submit images and video footage of the raid, plus a field to note geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must mark a box that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included more than 50 government officers, took place in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple masked and armed officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He said the persons were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the military to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to focus on street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Rallies opposing federal operations are widespread along with accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document provided by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.