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New York state AG has rolled out a new online portal asking locals to share visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This step follows a day after a high-profile ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations during the raid, I ask you to submit that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to examining these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides fields to upload photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to indicate location information. Prior to sending, users must tick a box that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a well-known district of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident depict numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He clarified the persons were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the armed forces to halt violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – each of the political contenders denounced the raid, including the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," a contender declared.

New York City community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to target small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," said the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it does not take into custody American nationals. However, independent reporting has found that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies against immigration enforcement are commonplace along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.