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New York state AG has introduced a recent online portal asking citizens to provide visual evidence of ICE operations throughout the state. This move comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass outcry.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and held for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the AG stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to share that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform offers spaces to upload photos and videos of the raid, along with a section to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must check a option that states that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved more than 50 government officers, occurred in a famous neighborhood of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded en masse – typically to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of residents followed the officers through the streets. An military-style transport was observed moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for without cause." He clarified the individuals were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for the government to deploy the armed forces to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC community groups voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the agency has said it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that numerous citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies against federal operations are ubiquitous as are claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.