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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal encouraging citizens to share visual evidence of ICE operations around New York. This step follows a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," the AG wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to share that material with the authorities. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form offers spaces to submit photos and videos of the incident, along with a area to specify geographic details. Before submitting, users must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a famous neighborhood of NYC where imitation products and other goods are regularly available widely – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the operation depict several hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of residents followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it refrains from take into custody US citizens. However, external research has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.