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New York state attorney general has launched a recent reporting form encouraging citizens to share photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This step comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal includes fields to submit photos and videos of the incident, as well as a section to specify geographic details. When submitting, users must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a well-known area of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available en masse – often to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action escalated – all three political contenders criticized the operation, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a contender declared.

The city's immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.