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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh digital platform urging locals to provide visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This step follows a day after a significant ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the AG declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform includes spaces to upload photos and videos of the raid, plus a section to specify geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must tick a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included more than 50 federal agents, occurred in a popular neighborhood of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily widely – frequently to sightseers.

Videos of the operation reveal several masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of locals followed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a news conference featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the troops to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," a contender stated.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This operation had no relation to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has found that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and across the US lately.

An October operation in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace along with allegations of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a document filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.