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The state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal encouraging locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids around New York. This step follows a day after a significant enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and held for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a release.

"For those who saw 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 investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform provides fields to send photos and videos of the incident, along with a area to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a box that confirms that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a popular district of NYC where imitation products and additional items are sold daily en masse – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the operation depict multiple covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers followed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He noted the individuals were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the military to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the political contenders condemned the operation, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that numerous citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

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

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous along with claims of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter provided by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.