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New York state AG has launched a recent digital platform encouraging locals to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This action follows a day after a significant enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the AG stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations during the raid, I urge you to submit that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform includes fields to upload visual evidence of the raid, along with a section to note location information. When submitting, users must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured over fifty government officers, happened in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are commonly traded widely – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict multiple masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of residents followed the personnel through the streets. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the troops to stop conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

New York City community groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to target small merchants working to survive. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it does not take into custody citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

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

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests against ICE are widespread as are claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document filed by legal entities claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.