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The state attorney general has launched a recent online portal asking citizens to share images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This move follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations yesterday, I urge you to submit that footage with us. We are dedicated to examining these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form offers options to submit visual evidence of the raid, along with a field to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, users must mark a option that states that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily en masse – often to sightseers.

Footage of the operation show several masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the individuals were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the armed forces to prevent unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – every mayoral candidates condemned the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a contender wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it refrains from apprehend American nationals. However, external research has found that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests against immigration enforcement are commonplace as are claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document provided by legal entities stated medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.