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New York state attorney general has launched a new digital platform encouraging residents to provide photos and videos of ICE operations throughout the state. This step comes just a day after a major ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are pledged to assessing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form provides options to upload photos and videos of the raid, plus a field to indicate geographic details. When submitting, submitters must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of government officers, happened in a well-known area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded en masse – often to visitors.

Videos of the incident depict several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He said the persons were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a justification to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to halt conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three political contenders denounced the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," a contender stated.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it will not take into custody citizens. However, external research has found that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are commonplace along with claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document submitted by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.