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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh reporting form asking citizens to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity recently, I encourage you to share that material with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form offers spaces to upload photos and videos of the incident, along with a section to note geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured over fifty government officers, happened in a well-known area of the city where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded en masse – often to sightseers.

Footage of the incident depict numerous masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

During a news conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the armed forces to halt violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – every mayoral candidates condemned the incident, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it does not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Protests opposing ICE are commonplace including claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter provided by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.