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The state AG has launched a fresh digital platform asking citizens to provide photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This step comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," state officials wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to submit that material with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal provides fields to submit visual evidence of the raid, plus a section to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known area of the city where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – often to tourists.

Videos of the incident depict numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a person, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He noted the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the troops to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has claimed it does not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide recently.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission filed by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.