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The state AG has rolled out a new digital platform asking locals to share photos and videos of ICE operations throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a major immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

American Citizens Held In Raid

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations recently, I urge you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides spaces to send photos and videos of the raid, as well as a section to specify geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must mark a box that states that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved more than 50 federal agents, took place in a well-known district of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to tourists.

Videos of the operation reveal numerous hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours 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.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the troops to stop violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates condemned the incident, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it will not arrest or detain US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous as are allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document submitted by legal entities alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.