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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh digital platform asking locals to provide images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides spaces to submit images and video footage of the incident, plus a section to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a option that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included over fifty federal agents, happened in a popular district of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the operation reveal several covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a person, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He said the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the military to halt violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it will not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and nationwide lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission provided by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.