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The state AG has introduced a recent online portal asking locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This action follows a day after a significant ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting large-scale protests.

US Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to live without fear," the AG stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal offers fields to send visual evidence of the raid, along with a area to specify location information. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a option that acknowledges that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured more than 50 federal agents, happened in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where fake products and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He noted the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – each of the political contenders criticized the incident, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

The city's immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it refrains from take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace as are allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.