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New York state attorney general has launched a recent online portal asking citizens to provide photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This action follows a day after a major immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass outcry.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to provide that material with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform includes fields to upload visual evidence of the operation, along with a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must tick a option that confirms that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included dozens of federal agents, happened in a popular neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the incident show numerous hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He noted the citizens were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the military to prevent violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to target local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are commonplace including accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document filed by legal entities claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.