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The state attorney general has rolled out a recent digital platform urging locals to provide photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This step follows a day after a significant immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that evidence with my office. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform includes options to upload visual evidence of the incident, along with a field to note location information. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a box that states that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured over fifty government officers, happened in a famous area of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded widely – typically to tourists.

Recordings of the operation reveal numerous hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of locals followed the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a justification to incite violence for this administration to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action escalated – each of the political contenders criticized the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," said the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it does not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.