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The state AG has launched a recent digital platform encouraging residents to provide images and footage of immigration raids around New York. This action comes just a day after a major ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

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

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

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to provide that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal offers spaces to submit visual evidence of the raid, plus a field to note where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a option that confirms that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included more than 50 government officers, occurred in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – often to visitors.

Footage of the operation depict several covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers followed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was observed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for without cause." He noted the individuals were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to stop violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – every political contenders criticized the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It must stop," a contender wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it will not apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies opposing federal operations are commonplace including allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission filed by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.