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New York state AG has introduced a fresh digital platform urging locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids across New York. This step follows a day after a major ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to live without fear," the AG declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to submit that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal includes options to upload photos and videos of the operation, plus a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must check a box that confirms that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily en masse – typically to visitors.

Footage of the incident show multiple masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

During a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the troops to stop violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – each of the political contenders denounced the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it will not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Protests against ICE are commonplace along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter filed by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.