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The state AG has rolled out a recent digital platform encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of ICE operations across the state. This step comes just a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Held In Raid

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to provide that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal includes spaces to upload photos and videos of the incident, as well as a section to specify location information. When submitting, users must check a checkbox that confirms that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily widely – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents followed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the individuals were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the armed forces to prevent violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender declared.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it refrains from take into custody citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests opposing federal operations are widespread as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.