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New York state attorney general has launched a new online portal encouraging citizens to provide photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This move follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the AG stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to share that material with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal provides options to send images and video footage of the operation, plus a section to specify location information. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a official report, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included more than 50 government officers, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded widely – often to sightseers.

Videos of the operation depict numerous masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was observed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for no reason." He said the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for this administration to deploy the armed forces to halt violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

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

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting ICE are commonplace as are claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.