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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new digital platform urging locals to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This action comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a release.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to reviewing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form includes fields to submit images and video footage of the operation, as well as a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, users must mark a option that states that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured dozens of government officers, took place in a well-known district of the city where counterfeit products and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show numerous masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of locals followed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – all three political contenders condemned the incident, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it will not arrest or detain US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that over 170 citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are widespread as are claims of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.