New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced on Wednesday the creation of an online reporting tool for instances of alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents operating in the state.
“Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear or intimidation,” James said in a news release. “If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are committed to reviewing these reports and assessing any violations of law. No one should be subject to unlawful questioning, detention, or intimidation.”
Newsweek has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment via email outside office hours.
Why It Matters
The conduct of agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol has come under the spotlight as the Trump administration carries out widespread arrests and deportations. Critics have accused the agency of deploying heavy-handed tactics, practicing racial profiling and denying due process rights.
What To Know
James’ office has launched what it calls a “Federal Action Reporting Form,” inviting members of the public to submit photographs, video clips and descriptions of immigration enforcement actions taking place in New York. Users can also submit links from social media sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, X, Instagram and Facebook.
The form requests that witnesses describe the incidents they observed, including locations and times, and optionally provide contact information for a potential follow-up.
It also says the materials submitted may be used in public reports or legal proceedings.
Videos have circulated on social media showing federal agents across the nation engaged in enforcement actions. Some clips depict agents breaking windows, deploying tear gas and using aggressive tactics to detain migrants without legal status and people identified as U.S. citizens. Such footage has sparked public interest and prompted questions about the use of force during these operations and whether federal agents are complying with legal procedures and civil rights protections.
James’ announcement follows a high-profile ICE raid on Manhattan’s Canal Street.
The operation involved dozens of federal agents and provoked protests from bystanders, the Associated Press reported.
Vendors have alleged that some U.S. citizens were stopped and interrogated, and that federal agents asked for documentation of immigration status and identification, the outlet reported.
On Wednesday, Democratic Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Kevin Mullin of California suggested that local authorities in their state could arrest federal agents if they violated state law during immigration raids in the San Francisco Bay Area.
What People Are Saying
New York Attorney General Letitia James wrote on the social media platform Bluesky: “We’re launching a portal to review federal immigration enforcement in New York after yesterday’s ICE raid on Canal Street. New Yorkers who were present should submit videos or photos, and we will review and investigate any violations of the law.”
A section of the Federal Action Reporting Form that users must check before submitting said: “My complaint is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and any documents attached are true and accurate copies of the originals. Any false statements I have made in this complaint can be punished as a Class A misdemeanor (under Penal law Section 175.30 or Section 210.45, or both).”
What Happens Next
The attorney general’s office is expected to review submissions to the portal to determine whether any state or federal laws were violated.
