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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent online portal encouraging citizens to submit visual evidence of ICE operations throughout the state. This move follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Detained In Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to examining these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal offers options to submit visual evidence of the incident, along with a field to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a box that acknowledges that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved dozens of government officers, happened in a well-known district of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded en masse – often to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of residents trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He noted the individuals were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for the government to utilize the armed forces to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

NYC community groups voiced concern also.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it will not take into custody US citizens. However, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies against ICE are commonplace including claims of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter provided by legal entities alleged inadequate care of women with child in government custody.