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The state AG has introduced a fresh reporting form urging locals to provide visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form provides options to upload photos and videos of the operation, as well as a area to note geographic details. When submitting, individuals must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous district of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to tourists.

Footage of the incident reveal numerous covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of residents trailed the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to stop unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups voiced concern also.

"Federal officers targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no connection to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it will not apprehend American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and nationwide recently.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies opposing ICE are commonplace as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of women with child in government custody.