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New York state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal urging residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This step follows a shortly after a major ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the AG wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to share that material with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform offers fields to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a area to note where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must mark a option that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known district of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Videos of the incident show multiple covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a man, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a news conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the persons were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the troops to stop unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

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

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, external research has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

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

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission submitted by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.