How to record ICE
ICE makes its arrests quickly and haphazardly. They are not interested in verifying the identities or immigration status of the people they detain. They don’t bother with probable cause or obtaining consent to searches and seizures. They move in packs, a handfull of agents close in on their targets, leaning on intimidation and brute force to secure compliance. Their tactic is simple: pull people off the streets and leave with them as fast as possible to minimize resistance and public attention. ICE’s open disdain for civil liberties, penchant for violence, and preference for opacity and distortion mean documentation is critical to mitigating abuse, preventing enforced disappearances, and securing justice.
Secure your device
Before approaching ICE, secure your personal device and its data.
Lock your device using a random 8 to 10 digit passcode.
Disable biometric authentication features like Face ID or fingerprinting systems.
Ensure that your device data is encrypted and backed up. Use end-to-end encrypted cloud storage.
Update your device’s firmware.
Turn on Airplane mode to disconnect from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular service.
Disable location services (for iOS and Android) and voice assistants (for Siri and Google Assistant).
Hide message and notification previews.
Enable enhanced security protocols, like Lockdown Mode on iOS or Advanced Protection Program on Android devices.
Consider using a burner phone or standalone digital camera to record.
Documenting an arrest
Leave your device locked while taking photos or videos. Begin recording before approaching ICE and continue recording after your interaction. Film horizontally to maximize frame width. Capture landmarks, street signs, and other details that can be used to verify your filming location and orientation. Try to capture the context of the whole scene. Focus on filming ICE agents themselves. Capture their activities and communications. Look for IDs, badges, patches, or anything else that might disclose their identity and agency affiliation. Document their vehicles and license plates.
Do not intervene in law enforcement activities. Do not attempt to stop an arrest. Do not conceal your camera. Keep your hands visible. ICE agents frequently tell observers that they cannot record and demand that they stop. This is false. The right to photograph, record, or otherwise document law enforcement activity is well established and grounded on the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Assert your right to document. Say, “I’m exercising my First Amendment right to record law enforcement activity.” Comply with orders to stand back. Capture confirmation of your compliance. Say aloud, “I’m stepping back.”
Remain vigilant after the encounter appears to conclude. ICE may try to disperse crowds or intimidate and detain bystanders. Agents frequently capture images of bystanders and use facial recognition software to identify them. They may also take pictures of your vehicle or license plate.
Share your recordings
After recording, immediately save a copy of your photos and videos to a secure backup. Consider stripping sensitive metadata from your media files before sharing. Share your recordings and any additional information you may have with legal and civil society organizations, media outlets, community rapid response groups, journalists, and anti-ICE advocates. Several state governments and attorneys general offices have set up online portals for sharing recordings of ICE encounters to support their investigations and other accountability efforts. Share recordings on social media, though you should consider taking steps to obscure the identities of individuals detained by ICE and bystanders. Consult an attorney or relevant advocacy group for guidance on protecting yourself and the privacy of those on camera.
Be aware that observing, recording, or publicizing ICE activity may draw scrutiny from law enforcement. ICE attempts to intimidate bystanders, witnesses, and legal observers by tracking them down, visiting their homes, detaining them, or threatening to take legal action against them. If you are contacted by ICE or any law enforcement agency or believe you may be targeted by them, seek legal support. Do not answer questions from law enforcement or consent to their searches without the advice of legal counsel.