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New York state AG has introduced a fresh digital platform encouraging residents to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass outcry.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG stated in a release.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to share that evidence with my office. We are committed to assessing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform provides spaces to upload visual evidence of the incident, plus a area to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must check a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included over fifty federal agents, happened in a famous district of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily widely – frequently to visitors.

Videos of the incident reveal several hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of residents followed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for without cause." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the troops to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC community groups expressed outrage also.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies against immigration enforcement are widespread including accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document submitted by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.