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The state AG has launched a fresh digital platform encouraging citizens to share visual evidence of immigration raids across New York. This action comes just a day after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and held for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, along with a section to specify geographic details. Before submitting, users must tick a box that states that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a famous neighborhood of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of the incident depict several masked and armed officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of locals trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified 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 represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action escalated – every mayoral candidates condemned the incident, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it does not take into custody US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are widespread along with claims of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission provided by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.