What to Do When You See ICE

This is a quick-reference checklist designed for use in the field. Follow these steps in order. For the full training guide, see How To Make or Join an ICE Watch.

1. Call the Hotline

Report the sighting immediately. Time is critical.

If you are in an ICE Watch or Rapid Response group, message your contact through a secure channel (e.g. Signal) so they can relay information while you record.

Save this graphic to your phone lock screen for quick reference in the field. Tap or click the image to download it.

2. Stay Safe

• Do not interfere with agents — even if you witness violence
• Keep your hands visible and empty
• No name calling or aggressive behavior
• Stay at a safe distance (10+ feet; some states require 25+)
• If told to move back, comply and narrate: “I’m cooperating. I’m taking a step back. I’m not interfering.”

3. Report Using SALUTE

• S — Size: How many agents? “I count 4 to 6 agents.”
• A — Activity: What are they doing? “Surrounding an apartment entrance.”
• L — Location: Cross streets and details. “Corner of Burlington and Gilbert, downtown Iowa City.”
• U — Uniform: How are they dressed? “Tactical gear, vests that say HSI.”
• T — Time & Date: “Wednesday, June 10th, 2:06 p.m.”
• E — Equipment: Weapons, vehicles. “Body armor, sidearms, two unmarked black SUVs.”

Report what you can — don’t wait until you have everything.

4. Record Video

• Record video, not a livestream
• Hold your phone in landscape (horizontal)
• Focus on agents and their actions — avoid recording detainees or bystanders
• Note license plates and badge numbers when safe
• Narrate what you see and your own compliance
• Before stopping, narrate the date, time, and location

5. Help the Person Being Detained

If someone is being detained, try to ask:

“Please tell me your name and date of birth. Is there a family member’s phone number so we can get help to you?”

6. Preserve Your Media

• Save the original file in a safe place. Never delete it or change the filename.
• Back it up immediately. Send the video to a trusted contact or secure cloud storage. If your phone is confiscated, you need another way to retrieve it.
• If you need to edit, work from a copy.
• Be aware that your phone captures GPS coordinates in video metadata. If you share footage, this could be traced back to you.
• If you choose to stream, do so only to a trusted, private audience (e.g., an attorney or legal observers), not publicly.

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For detailed guidance on ICE Watch roles, identifying agents, phone security, de-escalation, and building a community defense group, see the full ICE Watch Training Guide.