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The state attorney general has introduced a fresh online portal urging residents to provide visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This move follows a day after a major enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity recently, I ask you to provide that material with my office. We are committed to examining these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal provides options to send photos and videos of the operation, plus a section to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must tick a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a popular district of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are commonly traded widely – frequently to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the military to stop unrest that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action escalated – every political contenders criticized the incident, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to focus on small merchants working to survive. This operation had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has said it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US recently.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests against federal operations are ubiquitous including allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by legal entities stated inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.