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New York state attorney general has launched a new digital platform encouraging locals to share photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This move comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations recently, I encourage you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form includes spaces to upload images and video footage of the operation, along with a area to note location information. When submitting, users must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say featured dozens of government officers, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available en masse – typically to tourists.

Videos of the operation reveal numerous hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of locals pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the armed forces to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, including the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to target local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it will not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies against ICE are ubiquitous along with accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.