Field Roles

Field Roles

When responding to an active situation, ideally work in groups of three with these specialized roles. If you have fewer people, prioritize in order: Recorder → Engager → Monitor.

Recorder

The Recorder’s role is to document the encounter on their phone with as much detail as possible.

DO:

• Record the raid all the way through - don’t stop and start
• Use audio and narrate what you’re seeing
• Note the date and time verbally
• Note the location verbally
• Note license plate numbers, model of car, and other identifiable information
• Capture landmarks and street signs
• Describe what you’re recording as it may not be readily obvious
• Practice beforehand!

DON’T:

• Focus on the person being detained (protect their privacy)
• Start and stop the recording - continuous footage is better for evidence
• Include identifying information about yourself in the recording
• Get so close that you’re in danger

Recording Tips

Camera Position:

• Hold phone horizontally (landscape) for better footage
• Keep the camera steady
• Pan slowly if you need to capture multiple subjects

Audio:

• Narrate clearly: “I am at [location] on [date] at [time]. I see [description]…”
• If agents speak, try to capture it
• Note what you observe even if it’s not visible on camera

Continuity:

• If told to step back, keep recording your feet moving as evidence of compliance
• Don’t delete footage even if you think it’s not useful
• Save original files without editing

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Engager

The Engager communicates with the detained person and provides support while respecting safety boundaries.

DO:

• Stay near the person recording
• Try to shout out vital Know Your Rights info
• Ask for: name, date of birth, and a phone number for family notification
• Note ways to decrease risk of physical violence
• Shout out a phone number for legal support

Know Your Rights to Shout:

• “You have the right to remain silent!”
• “Don’t sign anything!”
• “Ask for a lawyer!”
• “You don’t have to let them in without a warrant!”

Information to Get from Detained Person:

1. Full name (spell it out if possible)
2. Date of birth
3. Phone number of family member or emergency contact
4. A-number if they know it (alien registration number)

DON’T:

• Engage directly with ICE agents
• Physically interfere, even if you witness violence
• Put yourself in a position to be detained
• Make promises you can’t keep

Sample Phrases

To detained person:

“We are here to help you! Tell me your name!”

“Estamos aquí para ayudarte! Dime tu nombre!”

Regarding rights:

“You have the right to remain silent! Don’t answer questions!”

“Tienes derecho a guardar silencio! No contestes preguntas!”

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Monitor

The Monitor takes detailed notes and coordinates with the broader network.

DO:

• Take note of everything that is happening
• Write down names of people being detained and their DOBs
• Write down any phone numbers the person provides for family contact
• Record information about ICE agents:
  • How many present
  • Names (if visible)
  • Badge numbers
  • Weapons they are carrying or using
  • Vehicle descriptions
  • License plates
• Monitor what bystanders are doing - help direct people to engage safely
• Update Signal channel with real-time information

DON’T:

• Interfere in any way
• Share any information publicly until you have guidance
• Leave the scene with uncommunicated information

Documentation Template

TIME: [when observed]
LOCATION: [exact address/intersection]
AGENTS: [number, description]
VEHICLES: [make/model/color/plates]
DETAINED: [name, DOB, family contact if obtained]
ACTIVITY: [what is happening]
NOTES: [anything else relevant]

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Coordination Between Roles

Communication Flow

1. Recorder focuses on camera, communicates verbally
2. Engager shouts information, relays to Monitor
3. Monitor writes everything down, updates Signal

If Only Two People:

• One person records AND engages (shout while filming)
• One person monitors AND updates network

If Alone:

• Start recording immediately
• Narrate everything for the recording
• Update Signal when you have a moment of safety
• Call the hotline when possible

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After the Incident

All Field Roles Should:

1. Regroup at a safe location away from the scene
2. Share all documentation (video, photos, notes) with admin
3. Debrief while details are fresh
4. Report to the hotline if not already done
5. Self-care - this work is stressful

Preserving Evidence

• Save original files - never delete, never edit originals
• Note filenames - so you can find them later
• Share securely - via Signal, not regular text or email
• Back up - to a secure location

See WITNESS guidelines for detailed evidence preservation.