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New York state attorney general has launched a new digital platform encouraging locals to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This move comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal includes spaces to upload visual evidence of the incident, as well as a section to note geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a box that states that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a famous district of NYC where counterfeit products and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Footage of the incident show several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of residents trailed the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the military to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the operation, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," a contender wrote.

NYC community groups expressed outrage too.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target small merchants working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it does not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, external research has found that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

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

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting federal operations are commonplace along with accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.