Law enforcement needs civilian oversight to be prevented from abusing power, and filming ICE interactions and learning how to help those directly affected are the first steps to stemming the ever-swelling tide of that abuse. Here you’ll find our comprehensive guide to transforming fear into productive action.

Almost everyone has a camera in their pocket they can use to record and protest ICE encounters.

Getting Organized

1. Sign up at stopice.net for local ICE raid alerts. A simple text warns everyone in your area. To add an alert, text “REPORT” to 877-322-2299. No app needed.
2. Add this number to your contacts and set a loud, distinct ringtone.
3. Commit to show up wherever people are threatened. Ideally with a buddy.
4. Strategize with others to build an organized team. There’s always room for more: someone to question officers, support detained families, film and document, conduct citizen interviews, alert media, coordinate efforts, and more.
5. Local journalists are your friends, get acquainted with them, they can help document.

 

Essential Supplies

1. Keep a “go bag” ready: portable chargers, backup recording device, water, snacks, and emergency contacts written down (not just in your phone). Have protest signs available—each encounter is an opportunity for messaging.

 

Know Your Legal Ground

1. ICE commonly deceives—they often claim to be local police, probation officers, or investigators of “criminal cases” to gain cooperation.
2. Administrative warrants (signed by ICE, invalid for home entry) and judicial warrants (signed by judges, valid for entry) are very different in their authority—know the difference.
3. Learn the law and know your rights. You can find resources in section 6 “Law Enforcement and Your Rights”

 

Personal Preparation

1. Train in de-escalation. It’s easy to presume malice, but it’s counter to your goals—avoid dehumanizing others. Ultimately, we need them on our side. The only way to get people to behave fairly is to treat them fairly and expect absolutely no less in return. Check out section 8 “De-escalation: CALM”
2. Reference witness.org’s excellent guides on filming law enforcement for evidence:
3. Filming guide: https://deptofdough.org/free-downloads/filming-for-evidence/
4. Detailed guide: https://deptofdough.org/free-downloads/video-evidence-mini-guide/
5. Risk can’t be avoided, but it can be reduced. Rehearse scenarios ahead of time, and prepare accordingly.

Mobilization

1. Mobilize when called, recruit when able. Time is critical, and our strength is in numbers. ICE won’t be there long—if you’re called, they need you NOW.
   1. Get your “go bag”
   2. Secure your phone
   3. Let someone know where you’re going, or at least write it down
   4. If you can, go with a buddy

 

Digital Security

1. Secure your devices: disable biometrics, use strong passwords. Biometrics can be forced, and all information can be used against you.
2. Consider using a burner phone, or a backup recording device in case of illegal confiscation or damage
3. Use secure recording app that protects your footage. Record straight to the cloud when possible, and ensure that it can record while your device is locked to help prevent police tampering. 50% of police violence cases have body cam footage missing

 

On-scene Positioning and Safety

1. Assess the situation, and position yourself safely and effectively—maintain clear sightlines and situational awareness, avoid blocking officer movement when possible.
2. Multiple agencies are often involved in ICE operations (DEA, HSI, etc.) and may include armed tactical units. Assess the situation, know your rights and limits. Keep yourself and your camera safe—your recording may be the only proof of misconduct.

 

Accountability and Rights Assertion

1. Locate targeted individuals and get their name and birth date. See section 4 “Detainee Communication”
2. Inform others of their rights—it’s your right. Be calm, knowledgeable, and well-practiced in your role.
3. Loudly announce “I’m a First Amendment auditor, please show your badge and identify your agency”—this helps bystanders and recordings capture any refusal or misdirection.
4. Civilian clothing and vehicles without markings typify ICE operations—document tattoos, license plates, descriptions, and VINs (plates change; VINs are forever).

 

Organization and De-escalation

1. Organize and stand shoulder to shoulder—set an example and lead. Be purposeful: demand warrants, defend rights, and document violations. When allies become unruly, de-escalate and remind everyone that discipline is our only winning strategy.
2. Present a good face to the media, it’s a large part of your mission to project organized people-power. Speak clearly, knowledgeably, and with authority. Practice in advance.
3. In extreme situations, you may call 911 to report officer misconduct. Be advised that there is a risk that more police will simply aid in furthering misconduct. Be judicious; but if lives are on the line, call 911—at the least there will be a record of the complaint.

 

Documentation and Recording

1. Document everything—it’s your right. Record from multiple angles to capture the complete scene. Multiple cameras mean multiple witnesses. If feasible, use apps that stream to the cloud to prevent confiscation—police have illegally seized and erased videos. See witness.org’s resources in our downloads area.
2. If officers claim you’re interfering, ensure that you’re not, then clearly state: “I am exercising my First Amendment right to record in a public space. I am not interfering.”

 

Stay safe, stay lawful, stay persistent. To be most effective, you’ll likely need to stay free. Maintain control and de-escalate with dignity. You are a citizen exercising your constitutional rights—act with that authority.

Many ICE targets don’t speak English, though some do. Spanish is the second most commonly used language in America. The phrases below will help you obtain the most critical information—a detainee’s name and date of birth—so you can connect them with essential resources.

 

Introduction:
English: “I’m a volunteer. I’m here to help.“
Spanish: “Soy voluntario. Estoy aquí para ayudar.” (“voluntaria” if you’re female)
Pronunciation: “Soy voh-loon-TAH-ree-oh. Eh-STOY ah-KEE PAH-rah ah-yoo-DAHR”

 

Clarification:
English: “for family and lawyers“
Spanish: “para familia y abogados“
Pronunciation: “PAH-rah fah-MEE-lee-ah ee ah-boh-GAH-dohs”

 

Request:
English: “Your name and birthday?“
Spanish: “¿Tu nombre y fecha de nacimiento?“
Pronunciation: “Too NOHM-breh ee FEH-chah deh nah-see-mee-EHN-toh”

 

All three together:
“Soy voluntario. Estoy aquí para ayudar para familia y abogados. ¿Tu nombre y fecha de nacimiento?”

 

Use all three if possible, just the intro + request if chaos, or even just shout the request if that’s all there’s time for.

These other short phrases may also be helpful:

“I’m not police” – “No soy policía” – “Noh soy poh-lee-SEE-ah”
“Only here to help” – “Solo para ayudar” – “SOH-loh PAH-rah ah-yoo-DAHR”
“Family here?” – “¿Familia aquí?” – “Fah-MEE-lee-ah ah-KEE”

 

This information can help immigration advocates locate those detained within an increasingly opaque system.

Maintaining Momentum

Your job is not quite finished yet, ensure you maximize your impact by doing a few last steps.

1. Keep original files of your recordings completely intact—don’t even rename them (place them in folders and name them instead). Back them up safely and use copies for sharing. This is important for evidence admission.
2. Know who to contact with documentation (in order): attorneys for those under scrutiny, local attorneys, legal aid organizations, civil rights groups, news outlets, and social media. Start contacting people immediately—evidence is most valuable when fresh.
3. Support those detained: help locate family members, connect them with legal resources, and maintain public pressure for accountability.
4. Prepare for potential retaliation or surveillance after high-profile events. Keep your head up, and stay safe.

The following are the most important legal concepts to understand when dealing with officers.

Essential Rights

1. Constitutional rights apply to all people regardless of citizenship
2. Due process is absolute—otherwise anyone’s citizenship could be invalidated without recourse
3. Free speech: You have the right to speak freely and to alert others of their rights
4. Remain silent and request a lawyer; these are your rights, use them
5. Searches and seizures must have consent, probable cause, or a signed warrant, except for emergencies or other limited circumstances
6. Recording: You can legally record officers in public. They cannot legally delete or confiscate without a warrant, but expect them to try

 

Specific Interactions

1. Requests vs. Orders: A request is not an order—you can say no to requests. However, lawful orders must be obeyed to stay lawful
2. Detention: Ask “Am I free to leave, yes or no?” If yes, you can go. If no, they need reasonable suspicion of a crime and may lawfully detain you only as long as needed. You are likely not under arrest unless handcuffed
3. Officer Verification: Always ask for badge number and department. If suspicious, call 911 to verify
4. Lying: Police can legally lie to you—you cannot legally lie to them
5. Anything you say can be used against you or others—stay mindful, loose lips sink ships

 

Know Your Limits

1. Identification: In “stop and identify” states, you must give your name when lawfully detained under reasonable suspicion. Otherwise, you can decline
2. Physical boundaries: Maintain reasonable distance as required by local statutes, typically 8-25 feet
3. Physical interference is illegal. However, annoyance alone is NOT grounds for an interference charge
4. Resisting arrest: Many actions can be construed as resistance—even stepping backward has been used against people in court. Clearly state your compliance or lawful activity while recording
5. De-escalation: Verbal abuse escalates situations. Communicate, don’t confront OR capitulate
6. Answering questions is not recommended, but if you do speak, do so by clearly invoking the Fifth and then shut up
7. Sudden silence to particular questions has been used as evidence in court. Invoke 5th amendment rights before going silent. Be quiet. Stay quiet
8. Emergency situations may limit your rights

 

This list is not exhaustive; you do not understand the law just by reading this. There are nuances involved; if unsure, be silent and obey officers.

 

What to Say to Police For:

 

Verification:

• “Please show your badge and ID”
• “My name is…”—Then likely invoke your right to silence…

 

Searches:

• “I need to see a signed warrant”
• “I don’t consent to any searches”
• “I only consent to the warrant’s scope”

 

Detention: 

• “Am I free to leave, yes or no?”
• “Why am I being detained?”

 

Rights:

• “I’m exercising my right to record from a safe distance”
• “I don’t answer questions without a lawyer”
• “I’m exercising my right to remain silent”

 

Safety:

• “I’m not resisting—I’m asserting my right to…”
• “I’m complying as requested”

 

Avoid Saying This To Officers:

“I’m sorry” Can imply wrongdoing and might be interpreted as an admission of guilt; this has been used against people in court. Example: False allegation “You grabbed me!” → “I’m sorry, officer” → potential assault charge

“May I…” Don’t ask permission to exercise constitutional rights; it implies you believe your activity may be problematic. Make clear statements of intent instead. However, asking permission for physical actions may reduce tension: “May I get my wallet?”

“I know my rights!” This never ends well. Don’t argue—it’s never productive. Stay calm, clearly state the particular right you’re invoking, then if possible, record yourself complying as needed

Don’t lie. If you feel compelled to say something, say: “I’m exercising my right to remain silent”

 

Be confident and clear about your rights while remaining respectful in your behavior. Clear communication and calm assertiveness are more effective than intentional escalation.

Goals and Scenarios

Articulate your ideals, limits, and motivations and commit to your goal: mitigate ICE abuse through documentation and vigilant civil protest.

Form a team of people you trust, practice scenarios through role-playing and visualize how to optimize results. Prepare for stressful situations: how you’ll document abuse, de-escalate tension, and create a path to justice.

Create scenarios spanning benign to dangerous to accustom yourself to them and condition optimal behavior. Give yourself permission to fail while you train so that you have space to succeed.

You cannot prepare for every situation but you can think in universalities: verbal arguments, doxxing risks, and emotional and physical threats—how will you handle them. Recognizing arising emotions and imagining your desired responses will help form the neural pathways required to transform paralyzing fear into liberating action when under pressure.

 

Some Questions to Ask

• What are the most likely scenarios I will experience?
• What is the most important goal I am trying to achieve?
• How will I respond if arrested?
• How much am I legitimately willing to risk in a given situation?

 

Through understanding conflict, we can tame it.

Important: train for positive interactions as well as negative ones—otherwise you’ll be prone to creating the negative situations you’ve practiced. Most interactions are boring and procedural—the way they should be.

Focus on remaining calm and disciplined for safety and effectiveness while training and in real life. Remind others of your shared goals and limits; be a leader.

 

Control

• Control yourself to calm others
• Focus on what you CAN control and help others find focus
• Pause, breathe deliberately, speak slowly and clearly, be aware of your body language

Assess

• Assess the situation carefully to predict behavior
• Identify core concerns, tone, body language, first words, and repeated speech—theirs and yours
• Analyze your surroundings, find exit strategies, and trust your instincts about safety

Listen

• Listen to what’s said and ask open-ended questions
• Learning empowers you and calms others—find common ground
• Validate feelings, not necessarily actions, and reflect back what you hear to build trust
• Nod, maintain eye contact, don’t interrupt—let them feel heard

Mitigate

• Mitigate conflict through incremental improvements
• Use a relaxed posture, lower your voice, acknowledge concerns, offer choices
• Focus on next steps and find small points of agreement

 

While not every situation can be made better, you can always avoid making things worse. Be attentive to your behavior, clear in your communications, and conscious of risks.