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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent digital platform urging residents to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This action comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity recently, I encourage you to provide that footage with my office. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form includes options to send images and video footage of the raid, along with a field to indicate location information. When submitting, individuals must check a box that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a court case or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available en masse – typically to sightseers.

Videos of the incident show multiple masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – all three mayoral candidates condemned the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to target small merchants working to survive. This raid had no relation to community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it will not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide recently.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing ICE are commonplace including claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission filed by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.