Power in Numbers

Power in Numbers

Community defense is most effective when we work together strategically. This guide covers coordination principles and tactics.

Core Principles

Hierarchy of Goals

When responding to ICE activity, prioritize in this order:

1. Keep everyone safe - Responders, community members, everyone
2. Gather information - Document and report accurately
3. Share information - Alert the community appropriately
4. Support those affected - Help families and detained individuals

Never sacrifice a higher priority for a lower one.

The Power of Presence

Witnesses change behavior:

• Agents are more likely to follow protocol when observed
• Rights violations are less likely with documentation
• Community members feel supported
• Everything is on record

BUT presence must be:

• Legal (public spaces, no obstruction)
• Safe (maintain distance)
• Documented (recording when possible)
• Non-confrontational

Coordination Models

Hub and Spoke

         Admin
        /  |  \
       /   |   \
   Verifier Verifier Verifier
     |       |       |
  Patrol   Patrol   Patrol

• Admin coordinates from a central location
• Verifiers are mobile, respond to and confirm reports
• Patrol members cover specific areas, report what they see

Chain of Communication

Report → Patrol → Admin → Verifier → Admin → Broadcast

Information flows through the admin, who maintains situational awareness.

Field Team Structure

When multiple people are on scene:

• Lead - Communicates with admin, makes decisions
• Documenter - Records video/audio
• Monitor - Watches surroundings, alerts to changes
• Support - Assists others, backup roles

Situational Awareness (SAFER)

Use SAFER to maintain awareness:

S - Scan

Continuously scan your environment:

• New vehicles arriving?
• Agents moving?
• Community members approaching?
• Changes in the situation?

A - Assess

Evaluate what you observe:

• Is this escalating or de-escalating?
• What are the agents doing?
• Who is at risk?
• What resources do we have?

F - Find Exits

Always know your escape routes:

• Where are the nearest exits?
• Which direction is safe to leave?
• Do you have a vehicle or on foot?
• Where would you go?

E - Engage (Cautiously)

Decide how to engage:

• Should I record?
• Should I approach?
• Should I stay back?
• Should I leave?

R - Respond

Take appropriate action:

• Follow protocols
• Stay within legal limits
• Communicate with team
• Prioritize safety

Risk Assessment

Color Codes

🟢 Green - Low Risk

• Surveillance only, no enforcement
• Single vehicle, no agents visible
• Passing through area
• Response: Monitor, report, continue normal patrol

🟡 Yellow - Medium Risk

• Multiple vehicles or agents
• Stationary surveillance
• Agents outside vehicles but not approaching anyone
• Response: Increase monitoring, alert network, prepare for escalation

🔴 Red - High Risk

• Active enforcement/detention
• Agents approaching individuals
• Surrounding a location
• Response: Full deployment, document everything, contact legal

Escalation Indicators

Watch for signs that risk is increasing:

• More agents/vehicles arriving
• Agents putting on tactical gear
• Drawing weapons
• Shouting commands
• Physical contact with community members

De-escalation Indicators

Signs that situation may be resolving:

• Agents returning to vehicles
• Vehicles starting engines
• Agents appearing to conclude activity
• Departure of some vehicles

Tactical Considerations

Positioning

• Maintain clear sightlines
• Stay in public spaces
• Don’t block sidewalks or streets
• Keep safe distance (at least 15-20 feet)
• Have multiple angles covered if possible

Movement

• Move naturally, don’t appear to be following
• If following vehicles, maintain distance
• Know the area well
• Have alternate routes planned

Communication

• Keep phone charged
• Signal app open and ready
• Speak concisely
• Use pre-agreed terms/signals if helpful

Documentation

• Record horizontally for better video
• Narrate quietly (time, location, what you see)
• Keep recording even if “nothing” is happening
• Back up immediately after

Team Coordination

Pre-Deployment

Before an incident:

• Know who’s available
• Know who’s where
• Have communication channels ready
• Review protocols

During Incident

• Clear roles and responsibilities
• Regular check-ins
• Share information continuously
• Follow admin coordination

Post-Incident

• Debrief as a team
• Compile documentation
• Identify lessons learned
• Support each other

When Things Go Wrong

If You Feel Unsafe

• Leave immediately
• Notify admin while leaving
• Don’t explain or justify
• Your safety comes first

If Agents Approach You

• Remain calm
• You have the right to observe from public space
• You have the right to remain silent
• “I do not consent to a search”
• Do not run

If Someone is Detained

• Follow abduction response protocol
• Document everything
• Do not physically interfere
• Contact legal support

If Communication Fails

• Fall back to last known instructions
• Default to monitoring and documentation
• Leave if you cannot coordinate
• Check in when communication restored

Building Collective Power

Regular Practice

• Run drills and scenarios
• Practice communication
• Test response times
• Build muscle memory

Learn Your Area

• Know the streets
• Know common gathering places
• Know where ICE has operated before
• Know safe spaces and resources

Build Relationships

• Neighbors who can report
• Businesses who will call
• Organizations who can help
• Layers of community support

Document Everything

• Build a record of ICE activity
• Identify patterns
• Share with advocacy organizations
• Information is power