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The state attorney general has introduced a new digital platform urging citizens to provide visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This step comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale protests.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to provide that evidence with us. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform includes fields to submit visual evidence of the raid, as well as a field to indicate where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must check a checkbox that states that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included over fifty federal agents, happened in a famous district of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show multiple masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the incident, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on small merchants working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it refrains from take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, external research has found that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous as are accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document provided by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.