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New York state AG has rolled out a new reporting form encouraging locals to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This action follows a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I ask you to submit that evidence with my office. We are pledged to examining these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal includes fields to submit images and video footage of the operation, as well as a section to note where it occurred. When submitting, users must tick a option that confirms that "the office may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily en masse – typically to tourists.

Footage of the operation reveal numerous covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of locals pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the political contenders denounced the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a contender declared.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on local sellers working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it refrains from apprehend American nationals. However, external research has found that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests against immigration enforcement are widespread along with accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.