  In this work, we analyzed a recent proposal to detect $SU(N)$ continuum
Yang-Mills sectors labeled by center vortices, inspired by Laplacian-type
center gauges in the lattice. Initially, after the introduction of appropriate
external sources, we obtained a rich set of sector-dependent Ward identities,
which can be used to control the form of the divergences. Next, we were able to
show the all-order multiplicative renormalizability of the center-vortex free
sector. These are important steps towards the establishment of a first
principles, well-defined, and calculable Yang-Mills ensemble.
