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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh digital platform asking locals to share photos and videos of immigration raids throughout the state. This step follows a day after a significant enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Held In Raid

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to examining these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form includes fields to send images and video footage of the operation, as well as a section to note location information. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a checkbox that states that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included over fifty government officers, took place in a well-known area of the city where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal several masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of locals trailed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for without cause." He noted the persons were freed 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 represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," said the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it will not take into custody US citizens. However, external research has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

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

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests opposing federal operations are commonplace as are accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document filed by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.