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New York state AG has introduced a fresh digital platform asking citizens to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the AG stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to submit that material with us. We are committed to assessing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form offers spaces to submit visual evidence of the incident, as well as a section to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must tick a option that states that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a well-known neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily en masse – often to visitors.

Footage of the incident reveal numerous covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of residents pursued the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for without cause." He said the individuals were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the operation, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

NYC community groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers raided the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it will not apprehend US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests opposing ICE are widespread as are claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document submitted by legal entities stated inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.