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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new digital platform urging locals to share photos and videos of ICE operations across the state. This move comes just a day after a major ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," state officials stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to examining these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form offers spaces to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a field to specify where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must tick a option that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included more than 50 government officers, took place in a famous district of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – often to tourists.

Recordings of the operation reveal multiple hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of locals trailed the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action escalated – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

The city's community groups expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it will not take into custody US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests targeting federal operations are commonplace along with claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document submitted by legal entities alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.