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New York state AG has rolled out a new digital platform encouraging citizens to share visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This action comes just a day after a major ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to submit that material with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal provides spaces to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a field to specify location information. When submitting, submitters must tick a option that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured over fifty government officers, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of the incident reveal multiple masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of locals pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for no reason." He clarified the citizens were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates condemned the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to target small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, external research has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace as are claims of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission provided by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.