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The state AG has launched a fresh digital platform asking residents to provide photos and videos of ICE operations around New York. This move follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these reports and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The form provides fields to submit visual evidence of the raid, plus a field to indicate location information. Before submitting, submitters must check a option that confirms that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included over fifty government officers, occurred in a well-known area of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily widely – often to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of locals followed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He noted the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

NYC community groups expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This action had nothing to do with citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it does not apprehend citizens. However, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are commonplace along with accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.