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New York state attorney general has launched a new digital platform urging citizens to share visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This action follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

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

"For those who saw and documented federal operations yesterday, I ask you to provide that evidence with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal includes fields to submit photos and videos of the incident, as well as a area to note location information. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that states that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included over fifty federal agents, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where imitation products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of residents trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was observed moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the troops to prevent violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," remarked the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it does not take into custody citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.