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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh digital platform urging citizens to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This action follows a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to reviewing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal provides options to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a field to indicate geographic details. When submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a court case or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured over fifty government officers, occurred in a famous neighborhood of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded en masse – typically to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict multiple hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of locals followed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the armed forces to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – every mayoral candidates condemned the raid, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, external research has found that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests against immigration enforcement are widespread along with allegations of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission provided by legal entities stated inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.