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The state AG has introduced a fresh digital platform encouraging residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids around New York. This move follows a day after a major enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity recently, I urge you to submit that material with us. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal offers options to submit visual evidence of the incident, along with a area to note where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a box that confirms that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of government officers, happened in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily en masse – typically to sightseers.

Videos of the incident reveal numerous covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of residents pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for without cause." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the troops to stop violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – every mayoral candidates criticized the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it will not arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US recently.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests opposing federal operations are commonplace along with allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document filed by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.