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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh digital platform asking residents to provide visual evidence of ICE operations across the state. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to submit that footage with us. We are committed to examining these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform includes fields to upload photos and videos of the operation, along with a area to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must mark a option that states that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a famous district of the city where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available widely – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of the incident reveal numerous hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of locals followed the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a news conference featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He said the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a justification to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," said the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it will not apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies against federal operations are commonplace along with claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter provided by legal entities stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.