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The state AG has launched a fresh reporting form urging locals to provide images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This action follows a day after a significant enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the AG stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to share that evidence with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform includes fields to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a field to note where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must tick a box that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included over fifty government officers, occurred in a famous neighborhood of the city where counterfeit products and other goods are commonly traded en masse – typically to tourists.

Videos of the incident show several masked and armed personnel securing and holding a man, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates condemned the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's community groups voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has found that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter submitted by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.