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The state AG has rolled out a recent digital platform encouraging residents to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the AG stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The platform offers options to send images and video footage of the operation, as well as a section to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the office may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved over fifty government officers, took place in a famous district of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily widely – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show several covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of residents followed the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for without cause." He clarified the citizens were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the troops to halt violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This raid had no connection to community security and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has said it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

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

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies against federal operations are commonplace including accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document filed by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.