🔗 Share this article NY Unveils Reporting Tool for Citizens to Submit Immigration Videos Following Arrests of 4 American Citizens New York state attorney general has introduced a new online portal urging locals to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This action comes just a day after a major immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale demonstrations. American Citizens Held During Raid A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. "Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," state officials stated in a statement. "For those who saw and recorded federal operations recently, I encourage you to share that material with us. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and evaluating any violations of law." Form Details The form provides fields to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a field to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, users must tick a option that acknowledges that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a lawsuit or public report." Information about the Manhattan Operation The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a popular neighborhood of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – often to sightseers. Videos of the operation reveal multiple masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of locals followed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the urban roads. Political Response At a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the individuals were let go on the following day with no legal action taken. "The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they themselves caused." Widespread Condemnation Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – each of the political contenders denounced the raid, including the state leader. "Once again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote. New York City community groups voiced concern as well. "Federal officers targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to target local sellers trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the leader of a advocacy group. Agency Rules Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it does not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the present government. Ongoing Trend Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US this year. An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are allegations of force and inhumane treatment. Recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.