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New York state AG has introduced a fresh digital platform asking residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to submit that evidence with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form includes spaces to upload images and video footage of the operation, as well as a field to note location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured over fifty federal agents, happened in a popular district of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available widely – typically to sightseers.

Footage of the operation reveal multiple covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the individuals were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the armed forces to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – all three political contenders denounced the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This operation had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," stated the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it will not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.