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The state AG has launched a fresh digital platform asking citizens to submit visual evidence of immigration raids across New York. This step follows a shortly after a major enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread protests.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to submit that evidence with us. We are pledged to examining these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal offers fields to upload images and video footage of the raid, plus a area to specify location information. When submitting, individuals must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say included dozens of government officers, happened in a popular area of NYC where counterfeit products and merchandise are regularly available widely – typically to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict numerous covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of locals followed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the persons were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the military to halt unrest that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it will not take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting ICE are commonplace as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document submitted by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.