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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh digital platform encouraging locals to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This step comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

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

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to share that footage with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform includes fields to upload visual evidence of the operation, plus a field to note where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must tick a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included dozens of federal agents, took place in a well-known neighborhood of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Videos of the operation reveal numerous covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of residents trailed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the armed forces to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it refrains from apprehend US citizens. However, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and around the country this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations against federal operations are ubiquitous as are allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter provided by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.