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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh digital platform encouraging residents to submit visual evidence of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained In Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to submit that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to submit images and video footage of the incident, along with a area to note where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must mark a box that confirms that "authorities might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded widely – often to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict numerous covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said 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 no reason." He clarified the persons were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the troops to halt violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on small merchants working to survive. This operation had no connection to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," said the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the bureau has claimed it will not take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

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

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace including accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter provided by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.