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The state attorney general has launched a new online portal urging locals to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This step follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the AG wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides fields to upload visual evidence of the raid, plus a area to specify geographic details. Before submitting, users must tick a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say included dozens of federal agents, happened in a famous area of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded widely – often to tourists.

Recordings of the incident depict numerous masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – every political contenders denounced the incident, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's community groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not apprehend citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide this year.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are ubiquitous including accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.