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The state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal encouraging locals to provide images and footage of immigration raids throughout New York. This step follows a day after a major immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and held for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," state officials stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to share that material with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal provides spaces to upload images and video footage of the raid, as well as a section to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a checkbox that states that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit products and additional items are regularly available en masse – often to visitors.

Footage of the operation reveal numerous covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of locals followed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to halt unrest that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," a contender stated.

NYC community groups spoke out too.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no relation to community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," said the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it will not take into custody US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

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

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter filed by legal entities stated inadequate care of women with child in government custody.