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New York state AG has introduced a recent digital platform asking locals to share images and footage of ICE operations throughout the state. This step follows a day after a significant immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity recently, I ask you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal offers options to send images and video footage of the raid, along with a section to note geographic details. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a court case or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available widely – often to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of residents trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was observed moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He clarified the persons were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to prevent unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three political contenders criticized the operation, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it does not apprehend American nationals. Yet, external research has found that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are widespread as are accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.