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New York state AG has introduced a new reporting form encouraging residents to share photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This action comes just a day after a major immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," state officials declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform provides spaces to submit visual evidence of the raid, as well as a section to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved more than 50 federal agents, happened in a popular area of the city where counterfeit products and merchandise are commonly traded widely – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the operation depict numerous masked and armed officers securing and holding a person, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of locals pursued the agents through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the troops to halt unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to community security and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," said the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.