By Trendsetter Tribune 
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the launch of the Legal Observation Project, a new initiative that will deploy state employees to document federal immigration enforcement actions.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Democratic state leaders and the Trump administration’s mass deportation operations, specifically following high-profile tragedies involving federal agents in other states.
Key Details of the Legal Observation Project
The project is designed to provide independent oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity within New York.
- “Neutral Witnesses”: Trained volunteers from the Attorney General’s office (OAG) will be dispatched to locations of reported immigration raids.
- The “Purple Vests”: Observers will be easily identifiable in branded purple safety vests to distinguish them from protesters or federal agents.
- Non-Interference: James emphasized that the observers are instructed not to interfere with enforcement actions. Their role is solely to document conduct, record interactions, and ensure agents are acting “within the bounds of the law.”
- Public Portal: In addition to the physical observers, James urged New Yorkers to upload their own videos and photos of ICE activity to a secure OAG portal launched late last year.
The Minneapolis Catalyst
James explicitly cited the recent violence in Minneapolis as the primary motivation for the project. In January 2026, two U.S. citizens—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—were fatally shot by federal agents during immigration-related protests and operations.
“We have seen in Minnesota how quickly and tragically federal operations can escalate in the absence of transparency and accountability,” James said in a statement. “My office is launching the Legal Observation Project to examine whether federal enforcement remains within the law.”
DHS Response
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) quickly condemned the move. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin argued that the project puts New Yorkers at risk by encouraging a confrontational atmosphere and refusing to cooperate with federal law enforcement.
“ICE law enforcement wouldn’t have to be in the field in New York if we had state and local cooperation,” McLaughlin stated, reiterating the administration’s stance that sanctuary policies necessitate surged federal field operations.
Broader Context: A Blue State Counter-Offensive
New York is not alone in its efforts to monitor federal agents. Several other Democratic governors and attorneys general have recently launched similar transparency initiatives:
- California: Expanded its “Know Your Rights” portal to include real-time ICE tracking.
- New Jersey: Governor Mikie Sherrill recently urged residents to “get your phones out” if they see ICE agents and promised a state-run portal for the footage.
- Maine: Attorney General Aaron Frey opened a dedicated tip line in January to field reports of “excessive behavior” by federal agents.