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The state attorney general has rolled out a new digital platform encouraging residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread outcry.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal offers fields to submit images and video footage of the incident, plus a field to specify geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must check a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured more than 50 federal agents, happened in a popular area of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show multiple masked and armed officers securing and holding a person, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of residents pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the military to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Federal officers targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to target local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it will not take into custody US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US lately.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.