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New York state AG has rolled out a new digital platform encouraging residents to share photos and videos of immigration raids throughout the state. This action comes just a day after a significant immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," state officials stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to submit that material with us. We are committed to assessing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform offers spaces to submit photos and videos of the raid, along with a section to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a box that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a official report, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included more than 50 federal agents, took place in a famous neighborhood of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily en masse – often to visitors.

Videos of the operation show several hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

In a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the troops to stop conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – all three political contenders criticized the operation, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC community groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This action had no relation to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that over 170 citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and around the country lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are commonplace as are claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of women with child in government custody.