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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh digital platform encouraging citizens to submit visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This move comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in the city on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with us. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal provides fields to submit photos and videos of the incident, along with a field to note where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must tick a box that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included dozens of federal agents, took place in a famous area of the city where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – often to tourists.

Videos of the operation reveal multiple hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of residents followed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no relation to community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from take into custody citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US this year.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests against ICE are widespread along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.