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The state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal asking citizens to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to submit that material with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform offers spaces to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a field to note location information. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a famous area of the city where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Videos of the incident show several masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of locals followed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – every political contenders criticized the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it refrains from apprehend citizens. Yet, external research has found that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace along with allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by legal entities claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.