🔗 Share this article New York Unveils Online Platform for Citizens to Submit Immigration Videos After Arrests of Four US Citizens The state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal asking residents to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests. US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. "All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a announcement. "If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law." Portal Features The form provides options to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a section to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, users must check a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or public report." Details of the ICE Action The Manhattan operation, which observers say included over fifty government officers, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to sightseers. Videos of the operation show several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of residents trailed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the city streets. Political Response In a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for no reason." He said the persons were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed. "The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to stop unrest that they have created." Broad Criticism Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the raid, including the state leader. "Yet again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote. NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too. "ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and protective equipment to target small merchants working to survive. This raid had no connection to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the president of a rights organization. ICE Policies Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it does not take into custody American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the current administration. Current Situation ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US lately. An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the present government. Rallies targeting federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of aggression and abusive practices. Recently, a submission provided by legal entities stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.