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The state attorney general has launched a new digital platform asking residents to provide visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This action comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Rallies erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to submit that material with my office. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form offers fields to upload images and video footage of the operation, along with a section to indicate location information. When submitting, users must check a option that confirms that "the office may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured dozens of government officers, happened in a popular district of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are commonly traded widely – often to sightseers.

Videos of the operation show multiple masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He noted the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the armed forces to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it will not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous including accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission provided by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.