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New York state AG has introduced a fresh digital platform asking locals to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This action follows a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to share that material with my office. We are pledged to examining these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to send images and video footage of the raid, as well as a field to indicate location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a box that confirms that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included over fifty government officers, happened in a popular district of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict numerous covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He noted the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the troops to stop conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – each of the political contenders condemned the operation, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend citizens. Yet, external research has found that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including accusations of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a document provided by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.