New york: Four US citizens were detained for nearly 24 hours without being charged during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Manhattan's Chinatown on Tuesday. During a press conference on Wednesday, Democratic Congressman Dan Goldman condemned the incident, stating that ICE is not authorized to arrest American citizens. The individuals were held at 26 Federal Plaza and were released approximately 30 minutes after the press conference was announced.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Department of Homeland Security reported that nine undocumented immigrants were also taken into custody during the raid. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons explained in an interview that the arrests were intelligence-driven and aimed at enhancing safety in New York.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has introduced an online portal for the public to upload videos or photos of ICE activities, with the promise to investigate any allegations of unlawful questioning, detention, or intimidation. Both a New York City Hall spokesperson and the New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed they were not involved in the federal operation.

US President Donald Trump's administration is known for its stringent immigration policies, which emphasize border control, reducing legal immigration, and increasing deportations. A significant funding bill allocated over $150 billion to enhance deportations and detentions, giving ICE a budget that surpasses nearly every military budget globally.