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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh digital platform asking residents to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to provide that evidence with us. We are committed to reviewing these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a area to note geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a option that acknowledges that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a justification to incite violence for this administration to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – every mayoral candidates criticized the operation, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It has to end," a contender wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the organization has said it does not take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document provided by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.