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New York state AG has introduced a new digital platform asking residents to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Detained During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to share that footage with us. We are committed to examining these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform includes fields to upload photos and videos of the raid, as well as a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded en masse – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the incident show several covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of locals pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This represents a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the military to stop unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates denounced the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no relation to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," said the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it refrains from take into custody citizens. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations against ICE are ubiquitous as are accusations of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter filed by legal entities claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.