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The state attorney general has introduced a fresh online portal urging locals to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This step comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations recently, I ask you to provide that material with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form provides spaces to upload photos and videos of the raid, plus a area to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a option that states that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 federal agents, happened in a well-known area of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show numerous masked and armed officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of locals followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to stop unrest that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender declared.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to target small merchants working to survive. This operation had no relation to community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the organization has said it does not take into custody citizens. However, external research has found that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are widespread including claims of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.