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The state AG has introduced a new digital platform urging residents to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering widespread outcry.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to submit that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal provides options to send visual evidence of the operation, along with a section to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included over fifty federal agents, took place in a famous district of Manhattan where counterfeit products and merchandise are commonly traded widely – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the incident reveal numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He noted the individuals were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for the government to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – every political contenders criticized the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a contender declared.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has found that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US recently.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies against immigration enforcement are commonplace including allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by legal entities alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.