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The state AG has rolled out a recent reporting form encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," the AG stated in a release.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to submit that evidence with us. We are pledged to examining these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform provides fields to send images and video footage of the operation, along with a field to note geographic details. When submitting, individuals must tick a box that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included dozens of government officers, took place in a famous area of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded widely – typically to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of residents trailed the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for without cause." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the troops to stop unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to go after small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it will not take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are widespread along with accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.