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New York state attorney general has launched a new digital platform asking residents to submit photos and videos of ICE operations around New York. This action comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations during the raid, I urge you to share that material with my office. We are pledged to examining these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The platform offers fields to submit photos and videos of the raid, as well as a area to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a option that states that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a well-known area of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available en masse – typically to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of residents followed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He said the individuals were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to incite violence for this administration to deploy the armed forces to stop unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

New York City community groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to target local sellers working to survive. This raid had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," said the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. However, investigative journalism has found that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are widespread along with allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter filed by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.