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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh reporting form encouraging residents to provide visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This step follows a shortly after a significant immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to share that evidence with us. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form provides options to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a area to specify location information. Prior to sending, users must tick a option that states that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous district of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily en masse – typically to tourists.

Footage of the operation reveal multiple hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a man, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," a contender stated.

NYC community groups voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it will not take into custody citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including accusations of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter provided by legal entities alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.