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New York state AG has rolled out a new digital platform asking residents to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move follows a day after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal provides spaces to send images and video footage of the incident, along with a area to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must check a box that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured over fifty government officers, took place in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – often to visitors.

Recordings of the incident reveal numerous covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for the government to deploy the armed forces to halt violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from apprehend American nationals. However, independent reporting has found that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country this year.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests against ICE are widespread along with claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a document provided by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.