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The state AG has introduced a new reporting form encouraging locals to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout the state. This action follows a shortly after a major enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that footage with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form offers spaces to upload visual evidence of the incident, plus a section to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, users must tick a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – typically to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show numerous covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a person, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the troops to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This action had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it does not apprehend US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

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

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Rallies targeting ICE are commonplace including claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.