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New York state AG has rolled out a recent digital platform urging locals to provide images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This step follows a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity recently, I encourage you to share that material with my office. We are committed to examining these reports and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform provides spaces to upload visual evidence of the raid, plus a area to note location information. When submitting, individuals must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included over fifty government officers, happened in a famous area of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are commonly traded en masse – frequently to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the troops to stop violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to target small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," stated the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that numerous citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting federal operations are ubiquitous including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.