Community Patrol
Community Patrol Role
Section titled “Community Patrol Role”Community Patrol serves as the eyes and ears of the community, actively watching for and documenting potential immigration enforcement activity to ensure neighborhood safety.
Core Responsibilities
Section titled “Core Responsibilities”Primary Duties
Section titled “Primary Duties”- Patrol designated high-risk areas
- Coordinate with Admins by volunteering for specific patrol needs
- Observe and report suspicious vehicles or activity using SALUTE information
- Adhere to community guidelines (no self-incrimination, no posting identifying photos)
- Maintain open communication with the network
Patrol Locations
Section titled “Patrol Locations”Based on DHS tactics, prioritize these high-risk areas:
| Location Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Day laborer spots | Home Depot, hardware stores |
| Manufacturing corridors | Industrial areas, warehouses |
| Schools | During pickup and drop-off times |
| Known staging areas | Cemetery parking lots, big box stores |
| High-traffic corridors | Areas with high Black and brown populations |
| Transportation hubs | Rideshare pickup spots, taxi stands |
Types of Patrols
Section titled “Types of Patrols”Scheduled Patrols
Section titled “Scheduled Patrols”- Regular coverage of designated areas
- Typically during high-risk times (early morning, school hours)
- Coordinated shift coverage
Responsive Patrols
Section titled “Responsive Patrols”- Deployed when reports come in from nearby areas
- Expand coverage during known enforcement operations
- Surge response when patterns suggest increased activity
School Patrols
Section titled “School Patrols”Specialized patrol focused on school safety:
- Monitor before school starts and during dismissal
- Coordinate with school staff
- Distribute KYR information to parents
- See the School Patrol Toolkit for detailed protocols
Patrol Best Practices
Section titled “Patrol Best Practices”Preparation
Section titled “Preparation”- Know your patrol area well
- Identify places to observe from safely
- Have your reporting template ready
- Ensure phone is charged with storage available
During Patrol
Section titled “During Patrol”- Stay alert but not conspicuous
- Vary your routes and timing
- Note anything unusual, even if not obviously ICE
- Check in with your network regularly
Reporting
Section titled “Reporting”- Report confirmed sightings immediately
- Report suspicious activity that may warrant further investigation
- Report “all clear” at end of shift so admins know area was covered
What to Look For
Section titled “What to Look For”Definite Report
Section titled “Definite Report”- Vehicles matching known ICE descriptions with visible agents
- Agents in tactical gear or ICE-marked clothing
- Multiple unmarked vehicles coordinating together
- Agents actively detaining or questioning individuals
Worth Monitoring
Section titled “Worth Monitoring”- Unfamiliar vehicles that linger
- Out-of-state plates in unusual locations
- Government plates (check codes)
- Multiple occupants in tinted vehicles
- Vehicles circling or surveilling an area
Probably Not ICE
Section titled “Probably Not ICE”- Single occupant vehicles
- Marked local police
- Utility vehicles with company logos
- Delivery vehicles
See Identification for detailed guidance.
School Patrol Specifics
Section titled “School Patrol Specifics”School patrols have additional protocols:
Coordination
Section titled “Coordination”- Work with school administration when possible
- Know the school’s protocol for ICE encounters
- Have a communication plan with parents/guardians
Timing
Section titled “Timing”- Arrive before the first parents/students
- Stay until school session begins
- Return for dismissal time
- Cover after-school activities if applicable
Actions if ICE Appears
Section titled “Actions if ICE Appears”- Immediately alert the school office
- Begin documenting
- Alert the network
- Help warn parents who haven’t yet entered the area
- Do NOT chase ICE or confront them
Communication Protocol
Section titled “Communication Protocol”Starting a Shift
Section titled “Starting a Shift”“Starting patrol in [area]. Will check in every [30/60] minutes.”
During Patrol
Section titled “During Patrol”“Patrol update: [area] all clear as of [time].”
Or:
“Possible activity at [location]. Observing. [Initial details].”
Ending a Shift
Section titled “Ending a Shift”“Ending patrol. [Area] was clear during my shift. [Any notable observations].”
Vetting Requirements
Section titled “Vetting Requirements”Patrollers require medium-level vetting:
- Request to join patrol Signal group
- Answer vetting questions from admin
- Review and acknowledge protocols
- Ideally shadow an experienced patroller first
See Vetting Guidelines for details.
Safety Reminders
Section titled “Safety Reminders”- Don’t patrol alone if possible
- Let someone know your patrol route and expected return
- Trust your instincts if something feels wrong
- You’re observing and reporting, not confronting
- Your safety is more important than any single patrol