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New York state AG has launched a new digital platform urging citizens to submit images and footage of ICE operations across the state. This step comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal includes fields to upload images and video footage of the incident, along with a section to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, users must check a option that states that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a well-known district of the city where fake products and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of residents followed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed moving along the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He said the individuals were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the armed forces to halt violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on local sellers working to survive. This raid had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it will not apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has found that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are commonplace including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission filed by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.