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New York state AG has rolled out a new reporting form asking citizens to provide photos and videos of immigration raids throughout the state. This move comes just a day after a significant enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity recently, I urge you to share that material with the authorities. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form provides fields to upload photos and videos of the incident, along with a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a box that confirms that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are regularly available widely – often to tourists.

Recordings of the operation reveal numerous covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the military to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – every mayoral candidates condemned the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender stated.

NYC community groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it will not take into custody American nationals. However, independent reporting has discovered that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country lately.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies against ICE are commonplace including accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of women with child in government custody.