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New York state AG has rolled out a recent digital platform asking residents to provide photos and videos of ICE operations across the state. This action follows a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In Raid

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that material with my office. We are committed to examining these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form includes fields to submit photos and videos of the raid, along with a field to specify location information. When submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a popular neighborhood of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available en masse – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the operation reveal multiple hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the officers along the roads. An armored truck was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the military to halt violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action escalated – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the operation, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," a contender stated.

The city's community groups voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it does not arrest or detain citizens. However, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace including allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.