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New York state AG has rolled out a new digital platform encouraging locals to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a release.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to submit that material with us. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form provides options to send photos and videos of the operation, plus a area to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily widely – typically to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the officers through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it will not take into custody US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide this year.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are ubiquitous including allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.