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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh digital platform asking citizens to provide photos and videos of ICE operations around New York. This move follows a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass outcry.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to provide that material with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form includes spaces to send photos and videos of the incident, as well as a field to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured dozens of government officers, took place in a well-known area of Manhattan where imitation products and merchandise are sold daily en masse – often to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to halt conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This action had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it refrains from apprehend citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests against federal operations are commonplace along with allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.