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New York state AG has rolled out a new online portal urging residents to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with us. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form offers fields to submit visual evidence of the operation, as well as a field to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must tick a box that states that "the office may use any evidence provided in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded en masse – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the incident depict several masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of residents trailed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for no reason." 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 stated. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the military to halt unrest that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the political contenders condemned the raid, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it refrains from take into custody American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.