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The state AG has introduced a new digital platform asking locals to provide images and footage of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to live without fear," the AG declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to provide that material with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form provides options to upload photos and videos of the raid, along with a field to indicate location information. Before submitting, users must mark a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved more than 50 federal agents, took place in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available widely – typically to sightseers.

Footage of the operation reveal several covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for without cause." He clarified the persons were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to stop violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," a contender wrote.

New York City community groups spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked 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, external research has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and around the country lately.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting ICE are ubiquitous along with accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter provided by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.