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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new digital platform encouraging citizens to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This step follows a day after a major immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, plus a area to note location information. Before submitting, submitters must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured over fifty federal agents, took place in a well-known neighborhood of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily widely – often to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of residents followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the city streets.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the troops to prevent unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates condemned the raid, including the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it does not take into custody US citizens. However, external research has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace including accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document filed by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.