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New York state attorney general has launched a recent digital platform urging citizens to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations during the raid, I ask you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal provides spaces to upload visual evidence of the raid, plus a area to indicate location information. When submitting, individuals must tick a box that confirms that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved more than 50 government officers, happened in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit products and other goods are sold daily widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of the operation reveal several hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of locals trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a justification to incite violence for this administration to utilize the military to stop violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations against ICE are commonplace along with accusations of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.