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The state AG has introduced a fresh online portal encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This step follows a shortly after a significant immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to submit that footage with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal includes spaces to send images and video footage of the raid, as well as a area to note location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved dozens of federal agents, occurred in a popular area of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of the operation depict numerous hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of residents pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the military to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the incident, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it does not take into custody American nationals. However, investigative journalism has found that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide this year.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Protests against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.