Identifying ICE Agents
Identifying ICE Agents
Section titled “Identifying ICE Agents”ICE agents can appear in various configurations depending on the type of operation. Learning to identify them helps ensure accurate reporting.
How Many Agents?
Section titled “How Many Agents?”| Operation Type | Typical Number |
|---|---|
| Residential targeting | 2-6 agents |
| Workplace raids | 6-10+ agents |
| Major shows of force | Dozens (rare in residential) |
What They Wear
Section titled “What They Wear”Tactical Operations
Section titled “Tactical Operations”- Tactical gear - Body armor, equipment vests
- Fatigues - Military-style clothing
- Face masks or balaclavas - Increasingly common
- Ball caps - Often with agency patches
Plain Clothes Operations
Section titled “Plain Clothes Operations”- Jeans or khakis - Civilian pants
- Cargo pants - Common tactical choice
- Polo shirts - Sometimes with concealed vests
- May be dressed to blend into the area they’re targeting
What to Look For on Clothing/Vests
Section titled “What to Look For on Clothing/Vests”| Text | Agency |
|---|---|
| POLICE ICE | Immigration and Customs Enforcement |
| POLICE HSI | Homeland Security Investigations |
| ERO | Enforcement and Removal Operations |
| POLICE DHS | Department of Homeland Security |
| CBP / U.S. Border Patrol | Customs and Border Protection |
| Just “POLICE” | Could be ICE or other agency |
| No identifying markers | Increasingly common - still may be ICE |
NOT ICE
Section titled “NOT ICE”| Uniform | Who They Are |
|---|---|
| Full municipal police uniform | Local police (unless 287(g) jurisdiction) |
| Fire department gear | Firefighters |
| Utility company uniforms with logos | Utility workers |
| Postal worker uniforms | USPS |
In sanctuary cities, you shouldn’t see municipal police participating in immigration enforcement (but check your local 287(g) status).
Agents by Agency
Section titled “Agents by Agency”ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Section titled “ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)”- May wear POLICE ICE vests or plain clothes
- Typically 2+ agents together
- Often masked in current operations
CBP (Customs and Border Protection)
Section titled “CBP (Customs and Border Protection)”- Green or brown uniforms common
- “U.S. BORDER PATROL” text
- Increasingly seen in interior operations
Other Agencies Now Doing Immigration Work
Section titled “Other Agencies Now Doing Immigration Work”The administration has deputized other agencies to carry out immigration enforcement:
| Agency | Identification |
|---|---|
| FBI | Blue vests with FBI text, FBI badges |
| DEA | DEA marked vests |
| ATF | ATF marked vests/gear |
| US Marshals | Star badges, MARSHAL text |
| Federal Bureau of Prisons | BOP text/uniforms |
| National Guard | Military uniforms with unit patches |
| Marines | Military uniforms |
Behavioral Indicators
Section titled “Behavioral Indicators”ICE agents often exhibit these behaviors:
Before an Operation
Section titled “Before an Operation”- Vehicles circling or surveilling an area
- Multiple unmarked vehicles parking near a location
- Agents observing from inside vehicles for extended periods
- Coordination visible between multiple vehicles
During an Operation
Section titled “During an Operation”- Agents approaching in pairs or groups
- Blocking exits or surrounding locations
- Asking for identification
- Questioning individuals about status
Special Response Teams
Section titled “Special Response Teams”If you encounter ICE Special Response Teams (SRT), you may see:
- BearCat tracked vehicles - Armored vehicles
- Long guns - Rifles, not just handguns
- Full tactical vests - Heavy body armor
- Helmets - Military-style protective gear
These are rare in routine residential operations but have been used in major enforcement actions.
Questions to Ask (If Safe)
Section titled “Questions to Ask (If Safe)”If you’re unsure and feel safe asking:
“Are you with ICE?”
Agents may or may not answer honestly, but their response (or non-response) can provide information.
“Can I see your badge?”
You can request to see identification, though they may refuse.
Documentation Priorities
Section titled “Documentation Priorities”When documenting agents, focus on:
- Number of agents present
- What their vests/clothing say
- Visible badges or identification
- Weapons visible (guns, tasers, etc.)
- Vehicles they’re associated with
- Actions they’re taking
Avoid focusing your camera on detained individuals - focus on the agents.