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The state AG has rolled out a new digital platform asking locals to share photos and videos of ICE operations around New York. This action follows a day after a significant enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to share that material with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal includes options to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a section to note where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must mark a checkbox that states that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved over fifty government officers, took place in a popular district of Manhattan where fake products and other goods are commonly traded widely – typically to tourists.

Videos of the incident depict multiple hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a news conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the persons were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the troops to stop conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the political contenders criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Federal officers targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it refrains from take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.