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New York state attorney general has launched a new digital platform encouraging residents to share images and footage of immigration raids throughout the state. This step follows a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread outcry.

American Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations recently, I encourage you to provide that footage with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form offers options to send images and video footage of the incident, as well as a area to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a court case or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 government officers, took place in a famous district of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of the operation reveal several masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the troops to halt violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are ubiquitous as are accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of women with child in government custody.