What to Do If You See ICE

Print, fold, and keep this ’zine on hand so you know how and where to report an ICE sighting. You can submit photos and video, and search for ICE license plate information, anytime at ICEout.org. The Washington Immigration Solidarity Network announced staff layoffs in October, and its Deportation Defense Hotline is only monitored Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ICE Is in Your Neighborhood: Now What?

FILM IT
Use your phone to record everything. If you are in public, or on your own property, you have a right to film. Note the time, location, the number of agents, what they’re wearing, their equipment and/or weapons, and license plate numbers.

OFFER TO HELP
If ICE is detaining someone, ask the person(s) being detained for their name, and if they have an emergency contact you can reach out to. 

ASK QUESTIONS
Telling the agents, “I’m just observing, I will not interfere,” can de-escalate the situation. Ask the officers what agency they’re with, why they’re detaining the person, and where they’re taking them.

GATHER WITNESSES
Exchange contact information with anyone else at the scene. They may have more videos, prior contact with the detainee, or know how to contact their friends or family.  

KNOW YOUR AGENCIES 
Avoid spreading misinformation. Was it really ICE? Virtually all sectors of federal law enforcement have participated in ICE raids, but it’s important to confirm that what you witnessed was, in fact, an ICE arrest or raid. By state law, Seattle police cannot collaborate with ICE.

If your rights have been violated, file a complaint with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General at atg.wa.gov. For immigration help, contact the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project at NWIRP.org or Legal Immigration Services of Olympia at lisowa.org. 

ICE ACTIVITY SURGED THIS SUMMER 
According to the Deportation Data Project, ICE arrested about 1,400 people in Washington across June and July (up from about 230 in February). While witnesses and bystanders have been invaluable in documenting ICE’s tactics and potential rights violations, it isn’t for everyone. People have been injured and killed when interacting with ICE agents. Recording and reporting ICE activity is just one way to help.

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