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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent digital platform asking residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This action comes just a day after a major enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations during the raid, I urge you to provide that evidence with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal offers spaces to submit photos and videos of the incident, as well as a section to indicate location information. Before submitting, users must check a checkbox that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved over fifty federal agents, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded widely – typically to tourists.

Videos of the incident show numerous hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of locals trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to utilize the troops to halt conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City community groups voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with community security and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country this year.

An October operation in the city center was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting federal operations are widespread as are claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter provided by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.