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New York state AG has launched a new digital platform asking citizens to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This move follows a shortly after a major ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

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

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to submit that footage with my office. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form includes options to upload images and video footage of the operation, along with a section to note location information. Prior to sending, submitters must check a box that states that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a famous neighborhood of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded widely – typically to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of residents followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the troops to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – all three political contenders criticized the incident, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's community groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it will not apprehend American nationals. However, investigative journalism has found that numerous citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US recently.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.