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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal encouraging locals to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a major immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations recently, I encourage you to share that material with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal includes spaces to upload images and video footage of the raid, as well as a area to note geographic details. When submitting, users must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit products and other goods are commonly traded en masse – typically to visitors.

Videos of the incident reveal several covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of locals trailed the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was observed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He noted the individuals were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to halt unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – all three political contenders criticized the operation, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," said the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing federal operations are widespread as are allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.