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New York state AG has launched a recent reporting form encouraging residents to submit visual evidence of immigration raids across the state. This step follows a day after a major enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to share that footage with us. We are committed to assessing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides fields to submit visual evidence of the incident, along with a field to note geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a box that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say involved over fifty federal agents, took place in a popular area of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily en masse – typically to tourists.

Footage of the incident depict numerous hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He said the individuals were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the armed forces to stop violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every political contenders denounced the incident, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender declared.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to target local sellers working to survive. This action had no connection to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has said it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. However, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.