NYAG Letitia James to monitor and document ICE's actions

New York Attorney General Letitia James. Photo: Seth Wenig/AP

STATEWIDE — A NEW INITIATIVE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL MONITOR AND DOCUMENT U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in New York state and protect New Yorkers’ rights.

New York Attorney General Letitia James on Tuesday launched the Legal Observation Project, which will collect reports of enforcement actions throughout New York and send trained personnel to observe and document that activity where appropriate, as well as any related protests that occur. These legal observers will serve as neutral witnesses on the ground, recording information that may inform future legal action. As federal immigration enforcement activity increases nationwide, the project will help ensure that accurate, real-time information is collected and preserved, and that any violations of law are identified.

Trained employees, participating on a purely voluntary basis, will staff the project. OAG will send teams of legal observers to the location of reported immigration enforcement activities, wearing easily identifiable, purple OAG-branded safety vests, to witness and document enforcement actions, but not to intervene.

James also urges New Yorkers to submit videos or other records of federal immigration enforcement actions directly to OAG through its secure online portal, which will add to the documentation.

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