Identifying ICE Vehicles
Identifying ICE Vehicles
Section titled “Identifying ICE Vehicles”While it is understandable to be hypervigilant while ICE is invading our communities, it’s important to know how to accurately identify potential ICE vehicles to avoid clogging response networks with false alarms, which can cause panic and distract resources away from actual threats.
Common Characteristics
Section titled “Common Characteristics”ICE Vehicles Almost Always Have:
Section titled “ICE Vehicles Almost Always Have:”- Heavy tinting of the windows (though many non-ICE vehicles have tinted windows too)
- Masked agents inside - Police also drive unmarked cars with tinted windows, but officers inside generally will not be masked. This can help distinguish between ICE and police.
- Multiple occupants - ICE often rides two or more per vehicle
ICE Vehicles Often Have:
Section titled “ICE Vehicles Often Have:”| Characteristic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Out-of-state plates | Some ICE vehicles have out of state plates, though many use in-state plates. Out of state plates alone are NOT cause for suspicion. |
| FP (Fleet) plates | Used by companies and government agencies. DHS sometimes uses these, but so do city agencies and corporations. FP plates alone are NOT cause for suspicion. |
| U.S. Government plates | Vehicles with DHS code should be reported. Other codes alone are NOT cause for suspicion. |
| No city or local stickers | Absence of local registration stickers |
ICE Vehicles Never/Almost Never Have:
Section titled “ICE Vehicles Never/Almost Never Have:”| Characteristic | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Blue lights on dashboard | Used by volunteer firefighters. ICE usually doesn’t use lights or sirens (rare exceptions). |
| Green “livery” plates | Used for taxis, limos, professional transport. Never used by ICE. |
| Plates starting with MP | These are police cars, not ICE! |
| Custom body work/paint jobs | ICE uses plain, unremarkable vehicles |
| Vanity license plates | Government vehicles don’t have vanity plates |
| No occupants | ICE agents aren’t typically patrolling on foot |
Common Vehicle Models
Section titled “Common Vehicle Models”ICE typically uses:
- SUVs and Vans: Unmarked with dark tint, no plates or government plates
- Common makes: Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe, Dodge Charger
- Color: Typically black, silver, white, or blue (American manufacturers)
- Minivans or SUVs with government plates, increasingly with civilian plates
ICE does NOT typically use:
- Compact vehicles
- Electric vehicles
- Custom or modified vehicles
Vehicle Types by Operation
Section titled “Vehicle Types by Operation”Residential Operations (targeting individuals)
Section titled “Residential Operations (targeting individuals)”- 2-4 vehicles typically
- SUVs or vans
- Multiple agents per vehicle
Workplace Raids
Section titled “Workplace Raids”- 6-10 agents
- Larger transport vans
- More vehicles
Major Operations / Shows of Force
Section titled “Major Operations / Shows of Force”- Dozens of agents
- May include marked DHS vehicles
- BearCat tracked vehicles (Special Response Teams)
- Unlikely in typical residential operations
What to Look for Inside
Section titled “What to Look for Inside”If you can see inside the vehicle:
- Multiple people in front seats (driver and passenger)
- Wearing masks or face coverings
- Wearing tactical vests
- Sunglasses even in low light
- Tactical gear visible
People driving alone, out of uniform, or uniformed drivers without tactical gear are highly unlikely to be ICE.
License Plate Guide
Section titled “License Plate Guide”Report Immediately:
Section titled “Report Immediately:”- Plates with DHS designation
- Previously identified ICE plates (check with your network)
Note but Don’t Panic:
Section titled “Note but Don’t Panic:”- Fleet plates (FP prefix)
- Out-of-state plates
- Government plates with unclear codes
Not ICE:
Section titled “Not ICE:”- MP plates = Municipal Police
- Livery plates (green, vertical text) = Taxis/transport
- Local city/county government plates
Photo Documentation
Section titled “Photo Documentation”If safe to do so, photograph:
- Full vehicle (make, model, color visible)
- License plate clearly
- Any visible markings or lack thereof
- Occupants if possible (through windows)
- Multiple vehicles if coordinating together
Examples
Section titled “Examples”Helpful Report:
Section titled “Helpful Report:”“Two agents with masks and tactical vests in a Black Jeep Wagoneer on Monday, October 13th at 10:05am, seen at the intersection of Main and Broadway heading east on Broadway. Plates: ABC123”
Unhelpful Report:
Section titled “Unhelpful Report:”“Black SUV with tinted windows seen on Main Street”
The second report lacks the detail needed for verification or response.
When in Doubt
Section titled “When in Doubt”If you can’t determine if a vehicle is ICE:
- Don’t spread unverified reports
- Continue observing if safe
- Try to get more details (closer look at occupants, plates)
- Report to verifiers with what you DO know, noting uncertainty