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The state attorney general has introduced a recent reporting form encouraging locals to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This action comes just a day after a significant enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations recently, I ask you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form includes fields to upload photos and videos of the operation, plus a area to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved dozens of government officers, took place in a famous district of Manhattan where imitation products and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – often to tourists.

Footage of the incident show multiple hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of locals followed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to bring in the armed forces to stop violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the political contenders denounced the raid, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a contender declared.

The city's immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests targeting ICE are commonplace including claims of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a submission filed by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.