🔗 Share this article New York Unveils Portal for Public to Submit ICE Videos After Detentions of 4 American Citizens The state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal urging locals to provide photos and videos of ICE operations throughout the state. This action follows a shortly after a significant immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests. American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday. "All New York residents has the right to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a announcement. "Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I urge you to submit that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to examining these reports and determining any violations of law." Form Details The form offers options to submit photos and videos of the incident, plus a area to note where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must tick a box that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report." Information about the ICE Action The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured over fifty federal agents, happened in a well-known area of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – often to visitors. Videos of the incident reveal several hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the urban roads. Political Response In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no accusations made. "There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the troops to halt conflict that they themselves caused." Broad Criticism Fury over the immigration operation escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, along with the state leader. "Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote. NYC community groups voiced concern too. "ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition. Official Guidelines Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it does not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government. Current Situation ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and around the country recently. A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of force and abusive practices. Latest, a letter provided by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.