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New York state AG has introduced a recent digital platform urging residents to provide visual evidence of ICE operations across the state. This action follows a day after a major immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to examining these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal includes fields to upload images and video footage of the operation, along with a area to specify location information. When submitting, users must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved dozens of federal agents, occurred in a popular district of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident depict multiple covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to incite violence for this administration to bring in the armed forces to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – every mayoral candidates criticized the incident, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to target local sellers trying to make a living. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it will not take into custody US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and across the US recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests opposing ICE are widespread along with claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.