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New York state AG has launched a recent digital platform urging residents to provide visual evidence of ICE operations around New York. This move follows a shortly after a major enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale protests.

American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers spaces to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a section to specify location information. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a official report, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a famous district of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident depict several masked and armed personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He noted the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the political contenders criticized the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it does not take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has found that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing ICE are widespread along with allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document submitted by legal entities claimed medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.