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The state AG has introduced a new digital platform asking residents to provide visual evidence of immigration raids across the state. This move follows a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to submit that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform provides options to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a area to note geographic details. When submitting, submitters must tick a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved over fifty government officers, took place in a famous district of the city where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the incident show numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of residents followed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the individuals were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the armed forces to stop conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates condemned the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are widespread as are accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.