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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh digital platform encouraging residents to submit visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This action comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations recently, I encourage you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form includes spaces to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must check a box that states that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and additional items are regularly available widely – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the operation depict numerous hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a person, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of locals trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the armed forces to prevent violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

NYC community groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not take into custody US citizens. However, external research has discovered that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

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

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing federal operations are ubiquitous along with allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.