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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent digital platform urging residents to provide photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This step follows a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to submit that footage with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform provides spaces to upload photos and videos of the operation, as well as a area to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a option that acknowledges that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved more than 50 federal agents, occurred in a popular district of Manhattan where fake products and other goods are sold daily en masse – typically to tourists.

Videos of the incident show several covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a man, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of residents followed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the military to prevent violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to community security and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it does not take into custody citizens. However, external research has found that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country lately.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies opposing federal operations are widespread including accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter filed by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.