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New York state AG has launched a fresh digital platform asking citizens to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a release.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that material with us. We are pledged to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal offers spaces to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a area to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that confirms that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included more than 50 government officers, occurred in a popular district of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available widely – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident show numerous hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a person, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of residents pursued the officers through the streets. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He said the individuals were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – every mayoral candidates criticized the incident, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it does not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are commonplace along with allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.