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New York state AG has launched a new online portal encouraging locals to submit photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This step follows a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal offers options to upload photos and videos of the incident, along with a section to note geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must check a checkbox that states that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included dozens of federal agents, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where imitation products and other goods are commonly traded en masse – often to tourists.

Videos of the operation depict multiple covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the military to halt unrest that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – all three mayoral candidates criticized the operation, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has said it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting ICE are commonplace as are claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.