With the increased ICE activity across the United States, many people are forming rapid response networks to protect their fellow citizens. The goal of these groups is to bring together communities and make sure that there are peaceful bystanders available to witness and report all ICE activity.
One of the most important ways to fight back against ICE’s abuse of power is to collect evidence by documenting and sharing what they are doing. We have seen the power of this footage firsthand. Because the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti were recorded and spread, people were able to disprove the lies being spread by the Department of Homeland Security and the Trump administration.
Even if you are unable to physically go out to meet ICE head-on and document what is happening, you can still support these groups by reporting ICE activities in your area. When reporting, make sure to use the SALUTE method.
Size: How many agents are there?
Activity: What are they doing?
Location: Where are they? Exact address or intersections.
Uniform: What are they wearing? Any visible patches or acronyms that can be recognized?
Time: When did the activity start?
Equipment: Do they have any weapons, vehicles, etc?
Whistles are also an important tool for community rapid responders. They are cheap, easy to use, and can provide critical information quickly and broadly. But for them to be effective, people need to understand the code: blow in short bursts when ICE agents are in an area, and blow continuously when ICE agents are actively conducting an operation/abducting someone.
It is important to remember that these situations can be dangerous, regardless of whether you are involved or not. If you plan to join one of these groups, please make sure that you keep yourself safe. Dress appropriately, follow local laws, and share your location with trusted friends or family members. If you can, educate yourself on how to administer simple first aid, so that you can help yourself and others when necessary. It is much easier for ICE agents to attack you if you’re isolated. Stand shoulder to shoulder, within hand’s reach of each other.
The actions of these rapid response groups are making a difference, and everyone should do whatever they can to support them.
