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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal encouraging locals to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This step follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the AG declared in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to provide that material with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform includes spaces to submit images and video footage of the operation, plus a field to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say featured dozens of federal agents, took place in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are sold daily en masse – typically to tourists.

Videos of the operation depict multiple hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of locals followed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for no reason." He said the individuals were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the troops to prevent unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates denounced the raid, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it does not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US lately.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are commonplace along with accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter filed by legal entities claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.