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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal asking locals to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained 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 is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to provide that material with us. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform includes fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a area to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous area of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – often to tourists.

Footage of the operation depict several covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of locals pursued the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He clarified the citizens were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – every political contenders condemned the operation, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no connection to community security and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it will not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against federal operations are widespread including claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.