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New York state AG has introduced a new digital platform encouraging residents to share visual evidence of ICE operations across the state. This action follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to share that evidence with us. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The platform provides fields to send visual evidence of the operation, as well as a field to indicate location information. When submitting, individuals must tick a box that confirms that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a famous district of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict multiple covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents pursued the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for no reason." He said the individuals were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the political contenders condemned the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," said the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it will not take into custody American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace as are accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter filed by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.