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New York state attorney general has introduced a new digital platform urging locals to submit visual evidence of ICE operations throughout the state. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In Raid

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal offers fields to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a section to specify where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must check a box that confirms that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included more than 50 federal agents, occurred in a well-known area of NYC where counterfeit products and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the operation reveal numerous covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of locals pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the persons were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to stop violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups expressed outrage also.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it does not apprehend citizens. However, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies opposing ICE are ubiquitous including claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document submitted by legal entities claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.