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New York state AG has introduced a fresh online portal urging residents to submit images and footage of immigration raids throughout New York. This step comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," state officials declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to submit that evidence with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers fields to send photos and videos of the raid, along with a area to specify location information. Prior to sending, users must mark a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a popular district of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded en masse – typically to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show numerous covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for without cause." He noted the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the military to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three political contenders condemned the raid, including the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it does not take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has found that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

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

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace along with allegations of force and abusive practices.

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