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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent digital platform asking locals to provide visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This move follows a day after a high-profile enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal offers spaces to send visual evidence of the operation, as well as a area to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must tick a checkbox that confirms that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – often to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show multiple masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the current administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC community groups spoke out as well.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This action had no connection to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," stated the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it refrains from take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, external research has found that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing ICE are commonplace as are claims of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.