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The state attorney general has rolled out a new digital platform asking locals to submit photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This move follows a day after a significant enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations yesterday, I ask you to submit that material with us. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal offers spaces to upload photos and videos of the incident, plus a area to note location information. Before submitting, users must tick a box that states that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured over fifty federal agents, took place in a famous area of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded widely – typically to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the officers through the streets. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the military to stop violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – every political contenders condemned the incident, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend US citizens. However, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests against ICE are ubiquitous along with accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.