Topic #30: Concerned Citizens: Be Prepared for ICE

What You Can Do

During Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Raids

“A lot of folks think that there will be an easy way to resist ICE enforcement or to respond to ICE enforcement in a way that prevents the unjust detention of their neighbors. Unfortunately, the way ICE operates is really complicated and unpredictable.” (Katie Miller, CASA). In fact, as a bystander trying to interfere you could make the situation worse. But there are things you can do.

GET PREPARED NOW:

1. Prepare to record: First, make sure you’ve downloaded the ACLU’s Mobile Justice App and use it to document raids or report ICE actions.
2. Prepare to report: Put the Rapid Response Hotline number in your phone: 844-878-7801 (844-TRUST-01). Call when you see ICE activity. They can send people out to verify whether an ICE raid is happening and provide legal support. 
3. Have information handy: Keep “Know Your Rights” cards on hand in case a community member needs one. You can print them here.

IF YOU SEE ICE OFFICIALS:

1. Document. If it’s possible, take photos, videos, and notes on exactly what happened. Use the ACLU app in case your phone gets confiscated (the info you record is stored on their cloud). Write down badge numbers (if possible), the exact date, time & location and the type of law enforcement agencies present and vehicles. Note if ICE interferes with your right to take photos or video. 
2. Report to 844-878-7801 (844-TRUST-01).
3. Share, with caution. Report raids or checkpoints on social media only if you are certain. When unverified reports are shared, they can reduce the trust between immigrant communities, organizations and well-meaning bystanders. It also amplifies people’s existing fears and traumas, and further isolates marginalized communities. It also spreads fear and paranoia in those communities, leaving them to skip work or school even if there’s no need. It also means that anti-raid efforts are deployed in the wrong places, reducing their effectiveness when it really matters. Please refer to the next section.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE/HEAR A SECOND-HAND REPORT:

• Do not share it publicly on social media if it is not verified (i.e. not from someone who witnessed it). Do not screenshot other people’s reports. Do not copy and paste reports.
• Reach out directly to organizations in the area who are trained to go out, document and verify the report. Contact the person/organization who shared this document with you. Make sure you have the original source of the report to trace, confirm, correct, or retract.
• If you personally know people in the area who may be directly affected, notify them to be aware of the possibility of ICE/CBP/DHS/police in the area. Clarify that the report is unverified. Be prepared to provide emotional support. If you see others sharing unverified reports, refer them to these guidelines.

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ICE RAID:

• To find a person in detention: Use ICE's detainee locator here or call the local ICE office here).
• To find immigration legal service providers in your area: visit the California Department of Social Services website or the Immigration Advocates Network’s immigration legal services directory.
• If you believe someone has been wrongly held for immigration: call 1-844-TRUST-01 (1-844-878-7801) or email catrustact@gmail.com.