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The state attorney general has launched a fresh online portal urging residents to share images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a day after a major immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the AG declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are pledged to examining these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form offers spaces to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a area to indicate location information. When submitting, submitters must mark a box that confirms that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a well-known area of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation depict multiple masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He noted the citizens were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action escalated – every political contenders denounced the operation, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after small merchants attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has said it refrains from apprehend American nationals. However, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies against federal operations are widespread as are accusations of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission provided by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.