Witnessing an immigration raid? Here’s what to do if you see ICE in the neighborhood
Over the last couple of years, people in different Nextdoor groups and on other social media have posted what they believed to be photos of immigration arrests to alert people, especially those subject to “arrest” or kidnapping, to ICE’s presence — only to find out later that the officers involved were not from ICE and the photos were not of immigration raids.
It’s wonderful that there is so much concern for our neighbors’ safety in our neighborhoods.
We should all be able to feel safe, and that’s not the case now.
It’s very important to verify such ICE notices before posting or reposting to avoid spreading panic. To verify, call the local rapid response number. People trained in dealing with such events will investigate if the information you’re providing is new to them, and they can tell you whether or not the sighting has already been verified. When a report is verified, the rapid response network sends out staff to support the individual, when possible, and the family.
As someone from the local Rapid Response group wrote: “Please do not share photos online, as this leads to misinformation in the community. [Also, the individuals involved may not want their photos online.] Remain vigilant and call the local rapid response line.” In West Contra Costa, that number is 510-240-9420. Please put your local rapid response phone numbers in your phone contacts.
For information about how and what to record, you can view many online training videos.
Here’s a reliable one:
hXps://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/your-ques[ons-answered-filming-ice-
interac[ons-safely
For a list of California Rapid Response lines in English: hXps://www.ccijus[ce.org/carrn
(The number in West Contra Costa is 510-240-9420.)
In Spanish: hXps://nnirr.org/educa[on-resources/community-resources-legal-assistance-
recursos-comunitarios-asistencia-legal/immigra[on-hotlines-lineas-directas-de-inmigracion/
For information on what to report: hXps://www.traverseindivisible.org/resources/see-something-salute/
And here is a SALUTE flyer that you can print and keep handy in your car, purse, etc.: hXps://drive.google.com/file/d/1dYkkuzk8Np1kB25I8m7Ah1AYwg4RNEU1/view?usp=drive_link
