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The state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form urging citizens to provide images and footage of ICE operations around the state. This move comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

American Citizens Detained In Raid

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

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

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to share that evidence with us. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform includes options to send images and video footage of the incident, plus a section to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, users must mark a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a court case or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included over fifty federal agents, occurred in a famous area of the city where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily widely – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the incident reveal multiple masked and armed personnel restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of locals followed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was observed traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens 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 persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

NYC community groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This raid had no relation to public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it will not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in New York and around the country this year.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are widespread as are claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission filed by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.