🔗 Share this article NY Introduces Portal for Residents to Share Immigration Videos After Arrests of 4 US Citizens New York state AG has rolled out a new online portal urging residents to submit visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread demonstrations. American Citizens Held During ICE Operation A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. "Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a announcement. "If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity recently, I ask you to share that material with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings." Form Details The form offers spaces to upload images and video footage of the operation, as well as a area to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a court case or official statement." Details of the Chinatown Raid The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured over fifty government officers, occurred in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded widely – typically to tourists. Videos of the operation reveal several masked and armed personnel securing and holding a man, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of residents pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues. Political Response In a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He noted the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken. "The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the military to stop violence that they have created." Extensive Outcry Anger over the federal action escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including the state leader. "Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote. New York City advocacy organizations spoke out as well. "ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," said the president of a rights organization. Official Guidelines Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the existing leadership. Ongoing Trend ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US this year. A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of violence and inhumane treatment. Latest, a document provided by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.