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The state attorney general has launched a recent reporting form asking locals to submit photos and videos of ICE operations around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale protests.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

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

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform includes options to send visual evidence of the incident, plus a field to specify location information. Before submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known neighborhood of the city where fake products and merchandise are regularly available widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show multiple hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a man, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of residents pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

During a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for no reason." He said the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the military to prevent violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has said it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are widespread as are claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of women with child in government custody.