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The state AG has launched a new digital platform asking citizens to share photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This step comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to provide that material with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform provides options to upload visual evidence of the operation, along with a section to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that states that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded widely – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the operation reveal several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of locals followed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for this administration to deploy the armed forces to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – every mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US recently.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are commonplace along with accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission submitted by legal entities stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.