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New York state attorney general has introduced a recent digital platform urging residents to provide images and footage of immigration raids throughout New York. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal offers options to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a field to specify location information. Before submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the office may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured dozens of federal agents, occurred in a popular area of the city where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily widely – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show numerous covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the military to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every political contenders denounced the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on small merchants working to survive. This action had no relation to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it will not apprehend US citizens. However, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations opposing ICE are commonplace including allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter submitted by legal entities stated inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.