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The state AG has introduced a recent online portal urging citizens to provide visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This move follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to share that material with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal provides fields to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a section to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known area of the city where fake products and merchandise are commonly traded widely – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the incident show numerous hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action escalated – all three mayoral candidates condemned the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City community groups spoke out also.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it will not take into custody American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

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

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies against federal operations are commonplace including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission submitted by legal entities stated inadequate care of women with child in government custody.