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New York state attorney general has launched a recent reporting form asking citizens to submit images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This move follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to live without fear," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations recently, I urge you to submit that evidence with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform offers options to upload photos and videos of the raid, as well as a section to indicate location information. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a option that confirms that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a court case or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved dozens of federal agents, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded en masse – typically to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict multiple covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates criticized the operation, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target small merchants working to survive. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and around the country recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests targeting ICE are commonplace including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter provided by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.