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New York state AG has rolled out a recent online portal urging locals to submit images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to provide that footage with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal includes options to upload visual evidence of the operation, plus a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a popular district of NYC where imitation products and merchandise are regularly available widely – typically to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show numerous masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is simply a justification to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the troops to stop unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – every mayoral candidates denounced the incident, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," stated the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting federal operations are commonplace as are allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.