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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh reporting form encouraging locals to provide photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This action comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to share that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form includes fields to upload images and video footage of the incident, along with a area to note location information. When submitting, individuals must check a box that states that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved dozens of government officers, happened in a popular area of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the operation show several masked and armed personnel restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the troops to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates denounced the incident, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

NYC community groups spoke out too.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to community security and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," stated the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it does not take into custody American nationals. However, independent reporting has found that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country recently.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.