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The state AG has launched a new online portal asking locals to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout the state. This action follows a day after a high-profile enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

US Citizens Detained During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," state officials declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that material with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal offers spaces to send photos and videos of the incident, along with a section to note geographic details. When submitting, users must tick a box that confirms that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a court case or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a well-known district of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily widely – frequently to visitors.

Videos of the operation reveal several covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of residents trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for without cause." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the military to prevent violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a contender wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and around the country this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations against federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.