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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new digital platform urging residents to provide images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and held for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to submit that footage with my office. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form offers options to upload images and video footage of the raid, as well as a field to indicate geographic details. When submitting, individuals must check a option that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous district of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of the incident show several covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

The city's community groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to focus on local sellers working to survive. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it will not apprehend citizens. However, external research has found that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests opposing federal operations are ubiquitous as are claims of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.