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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal urging citizens to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This action follows a day after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal provides options to submit photos and videos of the incident, along with a area to indicate location information. Before submitting, individuals must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous area of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – often to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the armed forces to stop conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates condemned the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," said the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are widespread along with accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.