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New York state attorney general has launched a new digital platform encouraging citizens to submit visual evidence of ICE operations across New York. This step comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," state officials declared in a release.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The platform provides spaces to send visual evidence of the raid, along with a section to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of the city where imitation products and additional items are regularly available widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show several masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of residents followed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for no reason." He noted the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

The city's immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to go after small merchants attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," stated the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has said it will not take into custody American nationals. Yet, external research has revealed that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace along with accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of women with child in government custody.