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The state attorney general has rolled out a recent online portal asking locals to provide visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This action follows a day after a significant enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform provides fields to submit images and video footage of the incident, plus a area to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that confirms that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a famous area of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded widely – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the operation reveal numerous masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of residents pursued the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was observed moving along the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the citizens were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on small merchants working to survive. This operation had no connection to community security and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it will not arrest or detain American nationals. However, external research has found that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are widespread along with claims of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.