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New York state AG has launched a fresh reporting form urging citizens to share visual evidence of ICE operations across the state. This action comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to submit that material with my office. We are pledged to examining these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form includes fields to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a section to specify where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a box that states that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available en masse – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the incident depict multiple hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents followed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the military to prevent unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates condemned the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies targeting federal operations are widespread as are accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

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