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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh digital platform encouraging residents to submit visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This step follows a day after a significant enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity recently, I urge you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to examining these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal includes spaces to upload images and video footage of the raid, plus a field to indicate location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where fake products and additional items are commonly traded en masse – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the operation depict multiple masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the troops to prevent unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the incident, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a contender declared.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are commonplace as are claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter filed by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.