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New York state AG has launched a recent digital platform urging locals to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This action follows a day after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," state officials declared in a release.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to submit that material with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form provides fields to upload images and video footage of the raid, along with a field to note where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must mark a box that acknowledges that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included dozens of government officers, happened in a famous area of the city where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for without cause." He clarified the persons were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – each of the political contenders condemned the incident, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations opposing ICE are commonplace including allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission filed by legal entities alleged medical neglect of women with child in government custody.