🔗 Share this article NY Unveils Online Platform for Public to Report Immigration Images After Arrests of 4 American Citizens New York state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal asking residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a day after a significant enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests. American Citizens Held In Raid A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in the city on consecutive evenings. "Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a statement. "If you witnessed and captured federal operations yesterday, I ask you to submit that material with us. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches." Portal Features The form includes options to send images and video footage of the operation, along with a area to specify geographic details. When submitting, users must mark a checkbox that states that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or public report." Information about the ICE Action The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where counterfeit products and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to sightseers. Footage of the operation reveal multiple masked and armed personnel securing and holding a person, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues. Political Response In a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made. "There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the military to prevent conflict that they have created." Extensive Outcry Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates denounced the incident, including NY's governor. "Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender declared. The city's community groups expressed outrage also. "Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to target local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," stated the head of a advocacy group. ICE Policies ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it does not take into custody citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government. Recent Pattern Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and across the US lately. A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing ICE are commonplace including claims of force and abusive practices. Recently, a letter submitted by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.