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New York state AG has introduced a recent digital platform encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This action comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form includes spaces to upload visual evidence of the operation, plus a section to indicate location information. Before submitting, users must mark a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved over fifty federal agents, happened in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the incident show numerous covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He noted the citizens were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has found that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing ICE are commonplace including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.