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New York state AG has launched a new reporting form encouraging locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This step comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to provide that material with my office. We are pledged to assessing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform includes options to send photos and videos of the raid, as well as a field to specify geographic details. When submitting, users must check a option that confirms that "the office may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included over fifty federal agents, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily en masse – typically to visitors.

Videos of the operation reveal several hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of residents pursued the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

NYC advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," said the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it will not take into custody citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide recently.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations against ICE are commonplace including allegations of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a document submitted by legal entities stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.