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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh digital platform encouraging citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This move follows a day after a major ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

US Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations during the raid, I ask you to share that material with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal offers options to submit visual evidence of the raid, as well as a field to indicate where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must check a option that confirms that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a popular district of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily widely – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the incident show several hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of residents trailed the officers through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the city streets.

Political Response

At a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the military to stop unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the incident, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender stated.

NYC community groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the bureau has claimed it will not apprehend US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including accusations of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter provided by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.