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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh online portal urging residents to provide visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This move follows a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass outcry.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I urge you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The platform includes spaces to upload images and video footage of the operation, plus a section to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, users must mark a box that states that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved dozens of federal agents, took place in a well-known district of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are commonly traded widely – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the incident depict several covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of locals pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a news conference featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the individuals were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the troops to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City community groups voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," said the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not apprehend American nationals. However, external research has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter submitted by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.