What Can We Do During An ICE Raid?
Learn what you can do to safely help.
November 16’s terrifying ICE round-up of more than 140 individuals at a popular San Antonio food truck site has led bystanders to ask what they can and should do to assist.
All-encompassing raids that capture U.S. citizens, minors, innocent bystanders and others undermine public trust and increase fear in minority communities. As we do not have legal transparency to determine if these raids are Constitutional, legally overreaching, or based on racial profiling, it is important for observers to:
1) VERIFY
2) DOCUMENT
3) REPORT
These actions can help protect communities, expose abuse and injustice, help loved ones locate family members, assist with legal defenses and–hopefully–lead to government accountability.
What Is ICE Activity?
ICE activity can be:
vehicle stops
street detentions
workplace checks
residential operations
or any community round-up where members of a law enforcement agency are detaining people without a transparent reason
Step 1: Verify
Identify the government entity and ensure it is actual law enforcement activity. Look for agency insignia on jackets, caps, vehicles or signage. Any jurisdictional indications (local, county state or federal), or any identifying paperwork you may see.
If you think this is not legitimate law enforcement activity, please call 911 immediately and report potential abductions or kidnapping in action.
To remain safe while observing:
Stay on the sidewalk
Maintain a safe distance from the activity
Do not engage with agents
Do not run toward vehicles or blocked-off areas
Step 2: Document
You do have a legal right to record everything you observe, no matter what you are told by a member of law enforcement. As long as you do not insert yourself into an operation, or endanger anyone, you can record or photograph what you see.
Best Ways To Document:
Hold your camera horizontally for clearer footage
Focus on officers and tactics, not the faces of immigrants
Avoid capturing vulnerable individuals’ identities unless absolutely necessary
Use a whistle (if available) to alert nearby observers without escalating the confrontation
Record the Following:
Exact location, intersection and address
Date and time
Number of agents
Types of uniforms and insignia
Vehicle types, colors and license plates
Tactics used (blocking cars, detaining individuals, knocking on doors, etc.)
Any misleading statements or pressure tactics
Names/contact info of other witnesses (optional)
Parrot commands verbally. For example, if an officer gives instructions: “Take one step back.” While you’re taking a step back, say: “I am taking one step back.”
DO NOT:
Interfere physically or obstruct movement
Post live video on social media (Let the victims/families/attorneys decide how they want to use your footage. Do not alter what you captured. Create a duplicate before editing for length.)
Spread unverified reports of ICE sightings
Step 3: Report
Once verified and documented, report the activity to:
San Antonio Rapid Response Network Hotline:
📞 210-361-3070
A 24/7 volunteer-staffed hotline verifies ICE activity and provides support. Share only verified facts that you personally observed.
After the Incident:
Provide your notes, photos and/or video to trusted legal partners
Support neighbors who may need assistance
Share accurate, verified follow-up information
Other Ways to Help:
Full name
A-number (Alien ID)
Date of birth
Family or lawyer to contact
Shout Out Their Rights:
You do not have to answer questions
Do not sign anything without a lawyer
Ask for legal representation
You do not have to open the door without a signed judicial warrant
YOU can help to protect our vulnerable community members by reducing panic in situations that may be scary or dangerous. It takes everyone to enforce accountability, document what is taking place and protect the people being targeted in militarized sweeps that are designed to ensnare large groups of people. Stay diligent and stay safe!
Helpful Resources:
Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition — “ICE Resistance Resources” Resource page PICC
Berkshire Alliance to Support the Immigrant Community (BASIC) titled “I.C.E. Activity: Guidelines for Bystanders” https://basicberkshires.org/bystander-best-practices/
Resist App https://resist.mobi/connect/index.cfm RESIST is a decentralized movement platform for activism. Drop a dot, find allies, organize events, report injustice, and take action. One specific function allows you to report ICE Raids and other civil rights violations.
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Thank you so much for the work you do for BCDP. 🙏🏼