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The state attorney general has introduced a new digital platform asking residents to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This move follows a day after a high-profile enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations yesterday, I urge you to provide that material with the authorities. We are pledged to examining these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form provides fields to send visual evidence of the raid, plus a area to note location information. Before submitting, users must mark a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured dozens of federal agents, happened in a famous area of Manhattan where counterfeit products and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal numerous masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for no reason." He clarified the individuals were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the armed forces to halt violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it will not apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are widespread as are claims of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a document provided by legal entities stated healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.