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The state AG has rolled out a fresh digital platform asking residents to provide photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a day after a significant ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Held In Raid

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations during the raid, I ask you to share that evidence with us. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform offers spaces to submit images and video footage of the raid, plus a area to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a option that states that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured over fifty federal agents, happened in a popular neighborhood of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal several masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of residents followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the individuals were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This represents a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – every mayoral candidates denounced the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC community groups voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and across the US this year.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations against ICE are commonplace including accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.