What to Report
What to Report (and What Not to Report)
Section titled “What to Report (and What Not to Report)”Accurate reporting is essential. False alarms exhaust responders and can cause panic. This guide helps you determine what warrants a report.
Three Categories of Sightings
Section titled “Three Categories of Sightings”Category 1: DO NOT SHARE
Section titled “Category 1: DO NOT SHARE”Vehicles that match general characteristics without suspicious details
These vehicles might have characteristics in common with ICE vehicles:
- Tinted windows
- Out-of-state plates
- Similar make/model to previously-reported ICE vehicles
Action: Take a closer look if you can. Observe who is driving (masks? tactical gear?) and behavior (accompanied by other similar cars? driving oddly?). If you can’t get more information or don’t see anything suspicious, keep an eye out but avoid reporting.
Category 2: SHARE WITH PATROL/VERIFIERS
Section titled “Category 2: SHARE WITH PATROL/VERIFIERS”Vehicles with some suspicious elements
Same as above, plus additional suspicious details:
- Two or more people in front seats
- Unusual or evasive driving behavior
- Multiple suspicious vehicles driving close together
- Lingering in an area without clear purpose
Action: Report in chat with as many details as possible (SALUTE format) and note that the vehicle is unconfirmed.
Category 3: REPORT IMMEDIATELY
Section titled “Category 3: REPORT IMMEDIATELY”Vehicles with strong evidence of ICE
Strong evidence such as:
- Visible agents in vests or with face covers
- Agents in tactical gear
- License plate matches previous ICE report
- Marked DHS/ICE/CBP vehicles
- Active detention or questioning visible
Action:
- Call the hotline immediately as a confirmed sighting
- Send alerts through all appropriate Signal channels
- Use VERIFIED ICE SIGHTING prefix in communications
What Makes a Report Helpful vs. Unhelpful
Section titled “What Makes a Report Helpful vs. Unhelpful”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: ABC-1234.”
This report includes:
- Number of people and their appearance
- Vehicle description (make, model, color)
- Date and time
- Exact location with direction of travel
- License plate
Unhelpful Report
Section titled “Unhelpful Report”“Black SUV with tinted windows seen on Main Street”
This report lacks:
- Number of occupants
- Specific vehicle details
- Exact location
- Time observed
- Any suspicious behavior details
We do not send alerts for all dark colored SUVs with tinted windows because we don’t have enough information and we are always cautious not to create false panic.
Reporting Checklist
Section titled “Reporting Checklist”Before sharing a report, ask yourself:
- Did I actually see people in the vehicle?
- What were they wearing? Could I see vests, masks, gear?
- How many vehicles and how many people?
- What is the exact location?
- What time is it right now?
- Do I have license plate information?
- What are they doing right now?
If you can answer most of these questions, your report will be useful.
How to Report
Section titled “How to Report”Unconfirmed/Suspicious
Section titled “Unconfirmed/Suspicious”“POSSIBLE sighting at [location] at [time]. [Vehicle description]. [Occupant description if visible]. [Behavior]. Requesting verification.”
Confirmed ICE
Section titled “Confirmed ICE”“VERIFIED ICE SIGHTING: [Full SALUTE details]. [Additional context]. [Current activity].”
False Alarm
Section titled “False Alarm”“False alarm at [location]. Vehicle was [what it actually was, e.g., ‘local utilities truck’]. All clear.”
When NOT to Report
Section titled “When NOT to Report”Don’t flood channels with:
- Every dark SUV you see
- Vehicles without any suspicious indicators
- “I have a bad feeling” without specific observations
- Rumors from social media without verification
- Old information (reports should be real-time or very recent)
Handling Uncertain Situations
Section titled “Handling Uncertain Situations”If you’re genuinely uncertain:
- Keep watching if safe to do so
- Try to get more information (closer look, license plate)
- Ask someone else to verify if available
- Report with clear uncertainty - “I couldn’t see inside the vehicle clearly, but…”
It’s better to share an uncertain report with honest caveats than to either panic or ignore something real.
After Reporting
Section titled “After Reporting”If a Verifier is Dispatched
Section titled “If a Verifier is Dispatched”- Stay in the area if safe
- Provide updates if the situation changes
- Guide the verifier to the exact location
If Told It’s a False Alarm
Section titled “If Told It’s a False Alarm”- Thank you for reporting - don’t feel embarrassed
- The network prefers cautious reports over missed sightings
- Continue watching for other activity
Quality Over Quantity
Section titled “Quality Over Quantity”Remember: One detailed, accurate report is worth more than ten vague ones. Take the extra moment to gather information before hitting send.