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The state attorney general has launched a fresh digital platform urging citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This action follows a day after a major ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," state officials declared in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to share that footage with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form offers options to send images and video footage of the operation, as well as a section to indicate where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a box that states that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved more than 50 government officers, happened in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded en masse – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident reveal numerous masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a man, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the troops to halt unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – each of the political contenders criticized the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate wrote.

NYC community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors working to survive. This action had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it does not take into custody American nationals. However, external research has discovered that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous along with allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.