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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh reporting form asking citizens to submit images and footage of ICE operations around the state. This move comes just a day after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the AG declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform provides spaces to upload visual evidence of the raid, as well as a section to indicate location information. When submitting, users must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured dozens of federal agents, happened in a famous district of NYC where counterfeit products and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Footage of the incident reveal several masked and armed officers securing and holding a man, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of residents pursued the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – each of the political contenders criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

The city's community groups voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," remarked the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it will not apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests against immigration enforcement are widespread as are allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter filed by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.