New York Attorney General Letitia James announced this week that her office will deploy “legal observers” to document activities by ICE throughout the state. The initiative, formally known as the Legal Observation Project, will send trained personnel from the Attorney General’s Office (OAG) to areas where ICE enforcement actions are reported, as well as any related protests or demonstrations.
These observers will wear distinctive purple safety vests and serve as neutral witnesses, recording and reporting what they see without intervening in the enforcement itself.
“We have seen in Minnesota how quickly and tragically federal operations can escalate in the absence of transparency and accountability,” James said in announcing the project. “My office is launching the Legal Observation Project to examine federal enforcement activity in New York and whether it remains within the bounds of the law.”
My office is launching the Legal Observation Project, a new initiative to send trained legal observers to monitor and document federal immigration enforcement in New York.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) February 3, 2026
I'll always protect New Yorkers' constitutional rights.https://t.co/AvzaUs1CFF
In a post on X, James described the new effort succinctly: “My office is launching the Legal Observation Project, a new initiative to send trained legal observers to monitor and document federal immigration enforcement in New York. I’ll always protect New Yorkers’ constitutional rights.”
The announcement comes amid heightened national concern over federal immigration enforcement tactics, including recent fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis that drew widespread public scrutiny. Legal and civil rights advocates have argued that increased oversight can help ensure federal agencies respect constitutional protections, especially during controversial operations.
Under the Legal Observation Project, voluntary trained observers from the Office of the Attorney General will respond to reports of ICE activity across New York.
These observers will wear identifiable purple safety vests to clearly distinguish themselves from federal agents, protesters, or other participants in enforcement actions. Their role will be to collect on-the-ground documentation, including written observations and, when appropriate, video, to support future legal analysis.
In addition, members of the public will be encouraged to submit videos or other documentation of federal immigration enforcement through an online portal managed by the Attorney General’s office. James noted that the project will begin rolling out in the coming weeks as enforcement actions are reported and monitored.
By documenting enforcement actions in real time, James’ office aims to create an independent record that could support future legal challenges if federal agents are found to overstep their authority. Authorities stress that observers will not interfere with enforcement work, but rather serve to protect civil liberties and ensure accountability.
