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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal urging citizens to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move follows a shortly after a major enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to share that footage with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form provides options to upload photos and videos of the raid, plus a area to note geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must tick a option that states that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured more than 50 government officers, occurred in a famous area of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded widely – often to tourists.

Recordings of the operation show several masked and armed personnel securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the citizens were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the armed forces to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC community groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it refrains from take into custody American nationals. However, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US lately.

An October operation in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations against federal operations are widespread including claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a submission filed by legal entities claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.