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The state attorney general has rolled out a new digital platform urging locals to share photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," state officials declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity recently, I ask you to share that material with my office. We are committed to assessing these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form includes options to submit images and video footage of the operation, along with a section to note where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included over fifty government officers, took place in a well-known neighborhood of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily en masse – often to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict multiple covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for no reason." He clarified the individuals were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to utilize the troops to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it will not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are ubiquitous along with accusations of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a document filed by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.