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The state attorney general has introduced a new digital platform asking locals to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to examining these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers fields to send images and video footage of the operation, as well as a area to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, users must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a popular area of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available en masse – often to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show numerous masked and armed officers securing and holding a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the troops to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action escalated – all three political contenders denounced the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to target small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," stated the president 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. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.