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New York state AG has launched a new reporting form urging locals to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This action comes just a day after a major ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," state officials stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to submit that evidence with my office. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal includes fields to submit images and video footage of the operation, along with a area to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a famous district of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict multiple covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of residents trailed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the persons were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to bring in the armed forces to prevent conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – every political contenders criticized the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it will not apprehend citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests targeting ICE are commonplace along with allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document provided by legal entities alleged inadequate care of women with child in government custody.