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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh digital platform asking residents to submit visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This step follows a day after a major enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to share that material with us. We are pledged to examining these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers fields to submit photos and videos of the raid, along with a section to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must check a option that confirms that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included over fifty government officers, took place in a well-known district of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily widely – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the incident depict numerous covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of residents pursued the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

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

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to target street vendors working to survive. This action had no connection to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has said it refrains from apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has found that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous including claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a document filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.