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New York state AG has rolled out a new digital platform encouraging residents to submit images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This action follows a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to share that evidence with us. We are pledged to examining these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal includes options to send images and video footage of the incident, along with a section to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a checkbox that states that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a court case or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 government officers, happened in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and merchandise are regularly available widely – often to visitors.

Videos of the operation reveal multiple masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of residents trailed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be arrested for no reason." He said the persons were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the operation, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it does not arrest or detain citizens. However, investigative journalism has found that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests against immigration enforcement are commonplace along with allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter submitted by legal entities claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.