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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh online portal encouraging locals to submit visual evidence of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to submit that footage with my office. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal offers fields to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a area to note location information. When submitting, individuals must mark a option that confirms that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a official report, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a popular neighborhood of the city where imitation products and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Videos of the operation show numerous hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of residents pursued the officers through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the military to halt violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates condemned the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has said it refrains from take into custody American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that numerous citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and across the US lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission provided by legal entities claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.