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New York state AG has launched a new digital platform asking residents to provide photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This move follows a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and held for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to submit that footage with us. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal offers fields to send images and video footage of the operation, as well as a field to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved dozens of federal agents, took place in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where imitation products and additional items are sold daily widely – frequently to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show several hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of residents pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the troops to prevent unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – every mayoral candidates criticized the raid, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This operation had no relation to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," stated the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it does not take into custody citizens. However, independent reporting has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter submitted by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.