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New York state attorney general has launched a new online portal urging locals to submit visual evidence of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Held In Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"For those who saw and documented federal operations recently, I ask you to provide that material with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal offers options to upload images and video footage of the incident, along with a field to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where imitation products and merchandise are regularly available en masse – typically to tourists.

Recordings of the operation depict several masked and armed officers securing and holding a person, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of locals pursued the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for no reason." He noted the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

New York City community groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the agency has said it will not apprehend citizens. However, external research has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting federal operations are ubiquitous including accusations of force and cruel conditions.

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