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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh reporting form encouraging residents to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a significant ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to provide that evidence with us. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform provides options to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a field to indicate location information. Before submitting, users must mark a checkbox that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved over fifty government officers, happened in a famous neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the operation depict several covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of residents pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a news conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He said the citizens were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the armed forces to halt violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – all three political contenders criticized the operation, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This action had no connection to community security and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it does not take into custody US citizens. However, external research has found that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests targeting federal operations are commonplace along with claims of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document provided by legal entities stated healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.