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The state AG has rolled out a new reporting form asking citizens to provide visual evidence of immigration raids across New York. This move comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," state officials wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to examining these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal offers spaces to upload images and video footage of the incident, as well as a area to note where it occurred. Before submitting, users must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured over fifty federal agents, took place in a famous district of Manhattan where imitation products and additional items are sold daily widely – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the operation show numerous covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of residents pursued the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to deploy the military to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to go after small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from take into custody citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies against ICE are widespread as are accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.