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New York state AG has launched a recent digital platform asking residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This step follows a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Held In Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to submit that evidence with us. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform offers options to submit visual evidence of the operation, plus a field to specify location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved dozens of federal agents, took place in a famous area of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available en masse – typically to tourists.

Videos of the operation depict several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers followed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

In a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He said the persons were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to incite violence for the government to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action escalated – every mayoral candidates condemned the operation, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This action had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it does not take into custody US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and around the country lately.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace along with claims of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document filed by legal entities stated inadequate care of women with child in government custody.