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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh digital platform asking residents to share images and footage of immigration raids throughout New York. This step comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

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

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to examining these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal offers fields to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a field to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a option that confirms that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous neighborhood of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for without cause." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," a contender wrote.

New York City community groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US this year.

An October operation in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations opposing ICE are ubiquitous along with accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.