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The state attorney general has introduced a new online portal encouraging citizens to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This step comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to share that footage with my office. We are pledged to examining these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form provides options to send visual evidence of the incident, plus a section to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that states that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved more than 50 federal agents, took place in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where fake products and additional items are regularly available widely – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident depict multiple hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of residents pursued the agents along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He said the persons were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to utilize the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three political contenders condemned the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," a contender stated.

New York City community groups expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This raid had no connection to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not take into custody American nationals. Nevertheless, external research has found that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide recently.

An October operation in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document filed by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.