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The state attorney general has launched a new digital platform urging residents to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move comes just a day after a major immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to share that material with my office. We are pledged to assessing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal offers spaces to send visual evidence of the raid, as well as a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a box that states that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved dozens of federal agents, happened in a popular district of Manhattan where fake products and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the incident depict several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of locals pursued the agents along the roads. An armored truck was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the troops to halt violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the political contenders condemned the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City community groups expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it will not take into custody citizens. However, external research has found that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide this year.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are widespread along with accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document provided by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.