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New York state AG has introduced a new digital platform urging locals to provide images and footage of immigration raids throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a major enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Rallies erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to share that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal includes spaces to submit visual evidence of the incident, along with a field to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must check a checkbox that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured over fifty federal agents, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where fake products and other goods are regularly available en masse – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation reveal multiple hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to deploy the armed forces to prevent unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender wrote.

The city's community groups voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This operation had no relation to community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," remarked the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations against federal operations are widespread along with accusations of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.