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New York state AG has launched a fresh digital platform encouraging locals to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This action follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that evidence with my office. We are committed to examining these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform offers fields to submit visual evidence of the incident, along with a section to note location information. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a famous neighborhood of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show numerous covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He noted the citizens were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the military to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

NYC community groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," said the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it refrains from take into custody US citizens. However, external research has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests opposing federal operations are commonplace including accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a document filed by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.