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New York state AG has introduced a new digital platform encouraging citizens to share images and footage of immigration raids throughout New York. This action follows a shortly after a significant enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to submit that material with my office. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form offers fields to send photos and videos of the incident, along with a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, users must check a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where imitation products and additional items are sold daily en masse – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation show several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of locals pursued the agents through the streets. An armored truck was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for no reason." He noted the persons were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to prevent unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – all three mayoral candidates condemned the incident, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not apprehend US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country recently.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are ubiquitous including accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.