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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal encouraging locals to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move follows a shortly after a significant immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread outcry.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," the AG stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations during the raid, I urge you to submit that material with us. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal includes spaces to upload images and video footage of the operation, along with a area to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, users must mark a option that confirms that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured more than 50 federal agents, occurred in a popular district of the city where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the incident reveal numerous hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of residents followed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the persons were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to prevent violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to target small merchants working to survive. This action had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it does not take into custody American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and across the US lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are widespread including claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.