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New York state AG has launched a new digital platform encouraging locals to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move follows a day after a significant ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering large-scale protests.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to submit that material with my office. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form provides fields to send photos and videos of the incident, plus a field to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a popular area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the incident reveal numerous covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of residents pursued the officers through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He noted the persons were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to stop unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action escalated – each of the political contenders denounced the operation, including the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to target local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to community security and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," said the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it will not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

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

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests against federal operations are ubiquitous including accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document submitted by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.