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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent reporting form urging citizens to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to provide that evidence with us. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal offers options to submit images and video footage of the raid, as well as a field to note location information. Before submitting, individuals must mark a box that states that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a court case or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured dozens of government officers, happened in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available widely – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid reveal several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of residents followed the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the troops to stop violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the incident, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to target small merchants working to survive. This action had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the bureau has claimed it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and across the US this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies against immigration enforcement are commonplace along with accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter provided by legal entities stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.