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New York state attorney general has launched a new online portal urging residents to provide visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This action follows a shortly after a significant enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and held for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

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

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers options to send photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to specify where it occurred. When submitting, users must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a popular district of NYC where counterfeit products and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – often to visitors.

Videos of the incident reveal numerous masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of locals followed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the troops to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the incident, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it does not take into custody citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

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

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies against ICE are widespread as are allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document filed by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of women with child in government custody.