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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh reporting form urging citizens to provide photos and videos of immigration raids around New York. This action comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to share that material with my office. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform provides options to upload images and video footage of the incident, along with a section to note location information. Before submitting, submitters must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded en masse – often to visitors.

Videos of the operation depict multiple masked and armed personnel securing and holding a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of residents followed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He noted the individuals were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and protective equipment to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has found that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country this year.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies against immigration enforcement are widespread along with accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter provided by legal entities claimed inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.