✅ Resource: What To Do If You Encounter ICE
🗽A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny. Throughout history, Americans have faced corruption, injustice, and authoritarian overreach. And every time, we fought back.
We cannot control what Trump and his enablers choose to do. But we can control how we respond. We can resist. We can protect one another.
Our friends at SURJ—Showing Up for Racial Justice—have shared vital guidance for what to do if you encounter ICE or Border Patrol, especially within the so-called "100-mile zone" from the border or coastline—a zone that covers nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population.
Here's what you need to know:
Border Patrol can only ask brief questions about citizenship. They cannot hold you for long without cause.
You always have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer their questions.
If you are a U.S. citizen—especially if you are white—it is your duty to speak up. Use your privilege to disrupt, to question, to protect.
If ICE or CBP boards a bus or train, stand up and loudly tell everyone: "You have the right to remain silent. You don't have to answer questions without an attorney."
Always ask: "Am I being detained? Am I free to go?"
Never consent to a search. Agents need specific, factual cause—race or ethnicity is not enough.
And yes—it is legal to record immigration agents in public spaces or on buses and trains. Pull out your phone. Document everything. If you are on private property, you can be asked to leave, which is valid.
I also recommend this article by the Washington Post (we provided a gift link) titled: As Trump takes over D.C.’s police, here’s what law enforcement can and cannot do
ICEblock app - See something, tap something
Click here to get the ICEBLock app (only available on Apple Appstore). The app enables users to anonymously report sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in their area. Its purpose is to alert communities about ICE activity and help individuals avoid potential encounters. Read more about the app here on MSNBC.
Yes, You Have the Right to Film ICE
You have the right to record law enforcement officers performing their duties in public, but you must remain calm, courteous, and avoid interfering by keeping a safe distance.
While you can take photos, video, or audio, officers cannot legally search your device, access your passcode, or delete footage without a warrant—even if you're arrested.
They may order you to move for safety reasons, but not simply because you’re recording. Be aware that officers might still retaliate illegally with arrest, force, or threats, so stay alert. In cases involving ICE, consider the risks to the person being arrested—get consent when possible and blur identifying details if sharing the footage publicly to protect their safety while holding ICE accountable.
Check out these two articles by Electronic Frontier Foundation for more information: Yes, You Have the Right to Film ICE & Right to Record
⭐️ These small acts of resistance can make a huge difference. People have been saved because someone spoke up, filmed, or refused to look away.
This is how we keep one another safe. This is how we refuse to let fear divide us.
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