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New York state attorney general has launched a new digital platform asking locals to provide photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a release.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations during the raid, I ask you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal offers spaces to send images and video footage of the operation, along with a area to note location information. Before submitting, submitters must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured over fifty government officers, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded en masse – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident depict several hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of residents followed the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to halt unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action escalated – every mayoral candidates condemned the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City community groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target small merchants working to survive. This operation had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has found that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are commonplace as are accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by legal entities claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.