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The state attorney general has rolled out a new digital platform urging locals to share photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This move follows a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal includes options to upload visual evidence of the raid, plus a section to specify where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must mark a box that states that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the incident show several covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a justification to incite violence for the government to deploy the troops to halt unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it will not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests targeting federal operations are widespread including allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission submitted by legal entities stated medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.