Legal Observation Project Begins February 3, Deploying Trained State Staff The New York Attorney General’s office activated the Legal Observation Project on February 3, 2026, assigning volunteer OAG employees as neutral observers [1]. Observers will wear distinctive purple vests bearing the OAG logo while documenting ICE and Border Patrol activities without intervening [1]. The program aims to collect real‑time data on federal enforcement actions and related protests across the state [1].

Public Submission Portal Enables Community‑Driven Evidence Gathering Residents can upload video footage and other documentation through a secure online portal created for the project [1]. Submissions help the AG’s office assess the scope of federal activities and determine whether further investigation or legal action is warranted [1]. The portal’s design emphasizes privacy and data security to encourage broader community participation [1].

Program Responds Directly to January Fatal Encounters Involving ICE and CBP The initiative follows the January shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents, incidents that triggered nationwide protests and calls for accountability [1]. By monitoring enforcement actions, the project seeks to prevent similar lethal encounters and provide transparent records for potential litigation [1]. Officials cite these deaths as a catalyst for heightened state oversight of federal immigration enforcement [1].

Federal Agencies Reassigned to Support Nationwide Mass‑Deportation Effort The Trump administration has redirected personnel from ICE, CBP, the FBI, DEA, and ATF to bolster immigration enforcement under its mass‑deportation agenda [1]. New York’s monitoring effort reflects a broader trend of states documenting federal actions to ensure compliance with constitutional protections [1]. The Legal Observation Project positions New York as a leading state in systematic oversight of federal immigration operations [1].