No Borders NewsNew York Attorney General Letitia James announced the launch of a new “Legal Observation Project” to monitor and document federal immigration enforcement activity in New York State. The initiative is designed to protect residents’ rights while creating accurate, real-time records of what happens on the ground.
Under the project, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will collect reports of enforcement actions across the state. When OAG determines it is appropriate, trained legal observers will travel to the location to witness and document the activity as it occurs.
The observers are described as neutral witnesses who will record information that could be used in future legal action. OAG says the observers will not interfere with enforcement activity; their role is limited to documenting federal conduct in a safe and lawful way.
OAG staff will participate on a voluntary basis, and observers will be identifiable by purple OAG-branded safety vests. The project is expected to begin monitoring in the coming weeks, based on reports OAG receives.
The attorney general also urged New Yorkers to submit videos or other documentation of federal immigration enforcement actions through a secure online portal. OAG says these submissions will help it assess activity and decide whether further investigation is warranted.