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The state attorney general has launched a fresh digital platform asking citizens to share photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Rallies occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to submit that footage with my office. We are pledged to assessing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform offers fields to upload images and video footage of the raid, along with a area to specify location information. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a checkbox that states that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included more than 50 government officers, took place in a famous neighborhood of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation depict numerous masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of locals followed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the troops to stop violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City community groups voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

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

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests against federal operations are ubiquitous along with allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document provided by legal entities stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.