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The state attorney general has introduced a new digital platform asking residents to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This step follows a day after a significant ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the AG declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity recently, I ask you to provide that material with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal offers spaces to upload visual evidence of the operation, along with a section to indicate location information. Before submitting, individuals must tick a box that states that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a popular area of NYC where fake products and additional items are sold daily en masse – typically to visitors.

Videos of the incident show several hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of locals followed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for no reason." He noted the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to prevent unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – all three political contenders criticized the raid, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's community groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it does not apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has found that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US this year.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing federal operations are commonplace as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.