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New York state AG has introduced a new digital platform urging citizens to provide visual evidence of ICE operations across New York. This step comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to submit that material with us. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform includes fields to upload images and video footage of the operation, along with a field to indicate location information. When submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured over fifty government officers, occurred in a well-known district of the city where fake products and other goods are regularly available en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of the incident show several covered and weaponized federal agents securing and holding a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

In a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman stated. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission provided by legal entities alleged medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.