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New York state AG has introduced a recent reporting form encouraging residents to share photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This move follows a shortly after a significant immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations recently, I ask you to provide that footage with my office. We are committed to assessing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form provides spaces to submit visual evidence of the incident, as well as a section to specify where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must tick a box that acknowledges that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous neighborhood of NYC where fake products and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Videos of the incident show numerous covered and weaponized federal agents securing and holding a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of locals pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for no reason." He noted the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, including the state leader.

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

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," said the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it refrains from take into custody American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has found that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.