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New York state attorney general has launched a recent digital platform asking locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This move follows a day after a significant ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

American Citizens Arrested In Raid

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to submit that material with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform provides fields to submit images and video footage of the operation, along with a section to note where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous district of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation reveal numerous covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a man, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the armed forces to stop conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – all three political contenders condemned the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after local sellers working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," stated the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US lately.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting ICE are commonplace along with claims of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.