1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Urge Implementation of State-Trained Legal Observers for ICE Operations I am writing to urge you to immediately establish a program of state-trained legal observers to document ICE enforcement activity in our state, following the model recently implemented by New York Attorney General Letitia James. This is the first program of its kind run by a state attorney general's office, and it represents a critical step toward accountability and transparency. New York's program deploys legal observers in purple vests to document ICE operations across the state. This initiative comes in response to serious concerns about federal enforcement actions, including the deaths of two Americans during federal operations: Renée Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24. These tragedies underscore the urgent need for independent oversight of enforcement activities that directly impact our communities. Legal observer programs have proven effective in other contexts for documenting law enforcement actions and protecting civil liberties. By having trained state personnel present during ICE operations, we can ensure accurate documentation of what occurs, provide a deterrent against potential abuses, and create an official record that protects both residents and law enforcement from false claims. This is not about obstructing legitimate enforcement but about ensuring it occurs within constitutional bounds. Our state has a responsibility to protect all residents and ensure that federal operations within our borders respect civil rights and due process. The presence of trained observers serves the interests of transparency and accountability without interfering with lawful enforcement activities. Given the current intensity of ICE operations nationwide, time is of the essence. I urge you to work with our attorney general's office to establish a similar legal observer program immediately. Our residents deserve the same protections that New York is now providing, and our state should join in setting a national standard for oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement.