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New York state AG has launched a recent digital platform urging citizens to submit images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This action comes just a day after a major enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal offers spaces to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a option that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured more than 50 government officers, occurred in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit products and merchandise are regularly available widely – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show numerous hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of residents trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the military to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," said the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has found that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.