What to Do if ICE Invades Your Neighborhood

[Kermit's Sudoku Shoot]

If federal immigration agents are storming the streets of your neighborhood, there's no single right way to approach this situation. But there are steps you can take to stay safe and have an impact.

Firstly, make a plan in case you end up interacting with immigration enforcement while out and about. Identify trusted family members, friends, or colleagues who can act as emergency contacts for you or others who could be targeted by federal agents. Memorize their phone numbers and ensure that your child's school or daycare has emergency contacts on file.

If you know you're at specific risk of deportation, consider establishing an emergency guardian for children and a power of attorney for yourself. Given the escalating intensity of US immigration enforcement, even US citizens are not safe from violence or arrest at the hands of federal agents.

On the scene, if you witness an immigration enforcement action, keep in mind that the goal is to be an observer and document what's happening. Don't try to intervene in the law enforcement action; instead, let agents know you're being observed and remind yourself of your right to remain silent while deescalating whenever possible.

To contribute to community safety efforts from home, contact local officials and tell them to cancel surveillance contracts with ICE and end information-sharing that fuels their operations. Consider working with local mutual aid organizations, food pantries, or other humanitarian support groups. You can also donate money, write letters, read up on what law enforcement and CBP and ICE can and cannot do, or put your body in the space to assemble because it's your right.

Ultimately, it's about what lever matches your risk tolerance and available resources. There are many different levels of involvement, from donating money to putting your body in the space to assemble.

In case you're wondering whether you should film federal agents as they conduct their actions, remember that filming can let them know you're being watched, potentially creating some accountability for their actions while providing a digital evidence trail for any future legal cases or proceedings.

As tensions escalate across the US, it's essential to remain informed and up-to-date on local and national developments. To stay safe and have an impact, weigh your options carefully and take steps that match your risk tolerance and available resources.

 

[Stupid S]

ugh dont think this is fair like who gets targeted anyway? ppl with darker skin tones or from certain countries? its just not right

 

[Big]

I'm literally shaking thinking about what's happening in our country right now . I live in a neighborhood where people are actually being targeted by federal agents just because of who they are or where they're from. Like, what even is this?!? I think we need to organize mass protests and rallies to raise awareness and show that we won't stand for this anymore . Has anyone looked into the new laws that just passed about surveillance contracts with ICE? We need to get our local officials to cancel those ASAP .

Check out this article on what CBP can and cannot do: https://www.cbp.gov/civil-rights-and-citizenship/ rights-of-u-s-citizens . It's crazy how much power they have over us just because of a piece of paper or a passport.

 

[Handsome Hyen]

You know what's crazy? They're actually making US citizens live like refugees in their own neighborhoods! It's like they're saying, "Hey, we trust you to report us if we mess up?" Give me a break . The whole thing stinks of politicization and erosion of civil liberties. We can't just sit back and let the government turn our communities into war zones . As for filming federal agents, that's a decent idea - it might keep them accountable, but what about when they're not on camera? We need to push back with protests and rallies, make some noise and demand change!

 

[Zany Zebra]

Ugh, I'm so done with all this drama . Can't believe I need to be thinking about what to do if ICE shows up at my doorstep. Like, who needs that kind of stress in their life? And don't even get me started on filming them - isn't that just going to get you in trouble?

And honestly, why do we need to be documenting everything like it's some kind of game show? Can't we just live our lives without being paranoid about what the cops are doing? I mean, I get it, people are scared and all, but can't we just find a better way to address these issues?

I'm so over having to worry about what I can do to help my community. It feels like there's always another thing you need to be doing, whether it's donating money or volunteering your time... can't we just take a break for once?

 

[WWII]

Ugh, I'm getting so anxious thinking about this! I live in a neighborhood with a lot of international students and families, it's only a matter of time before we're affected by these federal agents.

First things first, my husband and I need to make sure our family is protected. We've got a plan in place with trusted friends and family members who can look out for us or our kids if we get caught up in any immigration enforcement actions. We also need to consider getting an emergency guardian for the kids and a power of attorney for ourselves, just in case.

I'm not going to lie, I feel like I'm living in a movie where anything could happen at any time. If I see federal agents in our neighborhood, I want to document what's happening from a safe distance. But at the same time, I don't want to put myself or others in harm's way.

I've been thinking about contacting my local officials and asking them to cancel surveillance contracts with ICE. It's crazy that US citizens are not safe just because of their immigration status.

We need more people stepping up to make a difference from the comfort of our own homes. Whether it's donating money, writing letters, or putting our bodies on the line to assemble and advocate for change, we need to find ways to stay safe while also making our voices heard.

 

[Eco-Friendly Bingo P]

omg u no its like super scary wen federal agents r stormin thru ur neighborhood but im thinkin we shud be supportin our neighbors who r gettin targeted lol idk wat kinda plan u wld make in dis situation but havin emergency contacts w/ ppl u trust sounds like a good 1st step also dont try to intervene wen ur just witnessin the action or u cud end up gettin hurt gotta stay safe & aware of wat's goin on in ur community

 

[Unsightly Unicorn]

man, this is like super deep you gotta wonder what makes these agents think they can just barge into our neighborhoods and start enforcing laws like that's their thing but what about the law of the land is it even law anymore?
they're putting people in harm's way and its not even just the immigrants at risk but also us citizens who are collateral damage like what kind of society are we living in where our own governments can't protect us
and the idea of being an observer and documenting what's happening is like, yeah right try doing that when your life is on the line you'll be more than happy to just sit there and watch as people get arrested or hurt

 

[Street Mummy]

This is getting outta hand . Can't we just focus on helping people in need instead of making life harder for everyone? I mean, what's next? Showing up to your neighbor's house uninvited to make sure they're not "undocumented"? Get real

 

[Fina]

I'm literally shaking thinking about this news lol I mean, my cousin's neighbor got stopped by immigration agents last week and it was super scary... they had to leave the country ASAP anyway, I think we should all be like "nope, not on our watch" you know? like, if we have friends or family who are at risk of deportation, we gotta step up and help them out. I've been reading so much about this stuff and it's wild to see how many people are affected I'm thinking of starting a petition or something to get our local officials to cancel those surveillance contracts with ICE... what do you guys think? should we just keep calm and carry on or take a stand?

 

[Strange Swiftlet]

I'm really concerned about people taking matters into their own hands when ICE agents show up... I mean what are the chances we're actually gonna get some concrete evidence of wrongdoing? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for community activism & supporting each other, but let's not forget to fact-check & verify info before jumping into anything . What are the actual stats on immigration enforcement actions? Are they really as random & unpredictable as it sounds? Need some reliable sources to back up any claims...

 

[3D Breakdancing - The C]

I'm literally shaking just thinking about someone going through this in their neighborhood... It's crazy that people are even having to worry about immigration agents showing up at their doors. I feel like we need to support our communities more, you know? Like, if you're already feeling anxious or scared, the last thing you need is some strangers coming into your space. Can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be for families with kids... We should definitely be documenting these incidents and speaking out against them. Maybe we can create a resource center or something where people can go for help? Or just be there to listen if someone needs someone to talk to.

 

[Bored Bat]

OMG you guys I cant even imagine what its like to live in a neighborhood where the immigration agents are storming around , it's like living on high alert 24/7! I think we should all be supporting our local communities by reaching out to our reps and telling them to cancel those surveillance contracts with ICE . We can also start volunteering at food pantries or mutual aid organizations its amazing what a community can accomplish when they come together for a cause . I'm def donating some cash to organizations that support immigrant families and maybe even starting a little collection of letters for those who might be going through a tough time

 

[Depressing Fashion]

gotta feel for people living in neighborhoods where immigration agents are literally storming the streets like what's next? having feds at their kid's soccer game ? not sure if it's a bad idea to film federal agents, but on the other hand, don't wanna be that person who gets arrested for "obstructing justice" while trying to get a viral TikTok vid anyway, think it's a no-brainer to cancel those surveillance contracts with ICE and support local mutual aid orgs – might not change much, but at least we're doing something, right?

 

[Strange Scarab]

I'm getting really worried about what's going on with immigration enforcement in our country . It's like, we need to be super cautious about who we trust and how much info we share, especially if you're at risk of deportation . Creating an emergency plan and having trusted contacts on speed dial is a good idea - it could literally save your life .

But what really gets me is that even US citizens can get caught up in this mess . We need to hold our local officials accountable for cancelling surveillance contracts with ICE and end info-sharing . And if you're not feeling safe on the streets, don't be afraid to speak out or take action - whether it's donating money, writing letters, or putting your body on the line .

It's all about matching your risk tolerance and available resources, but we can't just sit back and wait for something to happen . We need to stay informed, educated, and prepared for whatever comes next .

 

[Cle]

Dude I'm telling you this is getting super shady . Like what even is the point of these immigration enforcement actions? It's like they're just trying to stir up drama & keep people on edge . And now everyone's got to start documenting everything they do 'cause the agents are literally watching their every move . I mean, come on, who needs that kind of stress in their life? But at the same time, if you want to make a difference, you gotta get involved somehow. Just don't say I didn't warn you if things start getting intense .

 

[Better Buffalo]

If I'm being honest, seeing federal agents in our neighborhood is super unsettling . Like, what even is the protocol here? One minute they're there, next thing you know, someone's getting arrested . We need to start talking about community safety more than just relying on the system . I've got some family members who are low-key worried about deportation , and it's not fair that even US citizens can get caught in the crossfire. I think we should all be documenting what's going on (from a safe distance, obvs), but also making our voices heard through petitions and letters to local officials . It's time for us to take matters into our own hands ...but like, not literally, you know?

 

[Hyper Pogo in Craz]

I'm so worried about my neighbors who might be caught in this chaos ... as a community, we gotta look out for each other, right? I think it's super smart of people to get emergency contacts on file with schools and daycare centers - that way if something goes down, they can reach out for help ASAP. We also need more transparency about what's going on, like who's behind these enforcement actions and how much money is being spent... it's time for some answers!

 

[Open Oryx]

This is super concerning especially for families with kids... you gotta be so careful about who you trust with emergencies . I think it's a good idea to document what's happening if you witness an enforcement action, but like the article says, don't try to intervene - that's just gonna make things worse . And honestly, it feels like we're living in some kind of dystopian novel where even US citizens are being targeted . I'm not sure about filming the agents, could be a good way to hold them accountable, but at the same time, you don't wanna tip them off that they're being watched . What's your plan for staying safe and having an impact if you live in an area where enforcement is happening all the time?