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FedWatch

Abduction Response

Abduction Response Protocol

Section titled “Abduction Response Protocol”

When ICE detains someone, rapid response can make a critical difference. This protocol covers how to respond while keeping everyone safe.

Immediate Response

Section titled “Immediate Response”

Within First 5 Minutes

Section titled “Within First 5 Minutes”

1. Confirm and Alert

  • Verify the detention is occurring
  • Alert the network immediately
  • Note exact location and time

2. Deploy Responders

  • Send nearest available responders
  • Legal observers if available
  • Documenters/recorders

3. Contact Legal Support

  • Call immigration legal hotline
  • Alert know-your-rights team
  • Prepare to connect family with lawyers

On-Scene Protocol

Section titled “On-Scene Protocol”

Roles During a Detention

Section titled “Roles During a Detention”

Documenter

  • Record video from safe distance
  • Note badge numbers, vehicle plates
  • Document everything without interfering

Engager (if trained)

  • Maintain calm presence
  • Remind detained person of rights (if safe)
  • Do NOT physically interfere

Monitor

  • Watch for additional agents
  • Note if backup is coming
  • Track where vehicles go if they leave

What to Document

Section titled “What to Document”

Record:

  • Time and exact location
  • Number of agents and vehicles
  • Badge numbers (if visible)
  • License plates
  • Physical descriptions of agents
  • What agents say to the person
  • Whether rights are read
  • If a warrant is shown
  • Use of force
  • If families are separated
  • Where the person is taken
Section titled “Legal Boundaries”

You CAN:

  • Observe from public spaces
  • Record video and audio
  • Ask if the person wants legal help
  • Provide rights information
  • Follow vehicles (carefully) to see destination

You CANNOT:

  • Physically interfere
  • Obstruct agents
  • Touch agents or their vehicles
  • Enter private property without permission
  • Lie or provide false information

Communication During Detention

Section titled “Communication During Detention”

Real-Time Updates

Section titled “Real-Time Updates”
10:23 AM - Agents have 1 person against vehicle
10:25 AM - Person being placed in backseat
10:27 AM - White van license ABC123 departing east on Main

Information to Gather

Section titled “Information to Gather”
  • Person’s name (if they share it)
  • Family contact information
  • Any identifying information they provide
  • What they were told by agents

Coordinate with Admin

Section titled “Coordinate with Admin”
  • Keep channel open
  • Follow admin instructions
  • Ask before taking any unusual action

Supporting the Detained Person

Section titled “Supporting the Detained Person”

While They’re Present

Section titled “While They’re Present”

If you can safely communicate:

  • “You have the right to remain silent”
  • “Do not sign anything”
  • “We are documenting this”
  • “Do you have family we should contact?”

After They’re Taken

Section titled “After They’re Taken”
  1. Note direction of travel
  2. Try to identify destination (ICE facility, detention center)
  3. Gather any belongings left behind
  4. Connect with family immediately

Family Support Protocol

Section titled “Family Support Protocol”

Immediate Actions

Section titled “Immediate Actions”
  1. Contact the family (if you can reach them)
  2. Connect them with legal resources
  3. Help them understand next steps
  4. Provide emotional support

Information for Family

Section titled “Information for Family”
  • What happened (factual, not speculative)
  • Where the person might be taken
  • How to locate someone in ICE custody
  • Legal hotlines and resources
  • What NOT to do (don’t go to ICE office alone)

Locating Detained Individuals

Section titled “Locating Detained Individuals”
  • ICE Online Detainee Locator: https://locator.ice.gov/
  • Local detention facility phone numbers
  • Immigration attorneys who can help

After the Incident

Section titled “After the Incident”

Immediate Debrief

Section titled “Immediate Debrief”

Within 1 hour:

  • Compile all documentation
  • Compare notes between observers
  • Identify any gaps in information
  • Share consolidated report with legal team

Evidence Preservation

Section titled “Evidence Preservation”
  • Back up all videos and photos
  • Do NOT edit original files
  • Note original filenames and times
  • Store in secure, encrypted location
  • Share only via Signal or encrypted email
Section titled “Legal Handoff”
  • Connect documented evidence with lawyers
  • Family may need this for legal defense
  • Could be relevant for complaints or lawsuits

Special Situations

Section titled “Special Situations”

Workplace Raid

Section titled “Workplace Raid”
  • Multiple people may be detained
  • Document everyone taken
  • Gather coworker contacts if possible
  • Note if ICE had a warrant

Home Raid

Section titled “Home Raid”
  • Remind: ICE cannot enter without judicial warrant (NOT ICE warrant)
  • Document if warrant was shown
  • Note if they forced entry
  • Gather family contacts

Traffic Stop

Section titled “Traffic Stop”
  • Note if local police involved
  • Document if 287(g) applicable
  • Note what led to the stop
  • Record any rights violations

School or Church

Section titled “School or Church”
  • These are “sensitive locations” with special ICE policies
  • Document if ICE violated sensitive location policy
  • Gather witness contacts

Safety Reminders

Section titled “Safety Reminders”

For Responders

Section titled “For Responders”
  • Do NOT put yourself at risk
  • Maintain safe distance
  • Do not physically interfere
  • Leave if situation becomes unsafe
  • Have exit route planned

For Community Members

Section titled “For Community Members”
  • Do not run or flee if not involved
  • Remain calm
  • Do not provide false information
  • Know your rights

Resources

Section titled “Resources”
Section titled “Immigration Legal Hotlines”
  • National Immigration Law Center: 213-639-3900
  • Local hotlines vary by area (add your local numbers)

Know Your Rights

Section titled “Know Your Rights”

ICE Locator

Section titled “ICE Locator”

Quick Reference

Section titled “Quick Reference”

Abduction Response Checklist:

  1. ✅ Confirm detention
  2. ✅ Alert network
  3. ✅ Deploy responders
  4. ✅ Document everything
  5. ✅ Contact legal support
  6. ✅ Note where person taken
  7. ✅ Support family
  8. ✅ Preserve evidence
  9. ✅ Debrief team
  10. ✅ Self-care for responders