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New York state attorney general has introduced a recent digital platform asking locals to submit images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations yesterday, I ask you to submit that footage with my office. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal offers spaces to send images and video footage of the incident, as well as a field to specify geographic details. When submitting, submitters must check a option that states that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured dozens of federal agents, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the operation depict numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the military to prevent violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

New York City community groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," said the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it will not take into custody American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are widespread along with claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter provided by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.