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FedWatch

Verifier

Verifier Role

Section titled “Verifier Role”

Rapid Response Verifiers are on-call volunteers who rapidly respond to and physically verify unconfirmed sightings of potential immigration enforcement (ICE) activity in the community, providing definitive confirmation to guide community response.

Core Responsibilities

Section titled “Core Responsibilities”

Primary Duties

Section titled “Primary Duties”
  • Respond to a specific location to confirm if the sighting is ICE or a benign vehicle
  • Adhere to established protocols
  • Provide detailed confirmation or non-threat status back to the Admin Team immediately

Reporting Requirements

Section titled “Reporting Requirements”
  • Use SALUTE information structure for all reports
  • Adhere to community guidelines (no self-incrimination, no posting identifying photos)
  • Report back promptly regardless of outcome (confirmed, false alarm, or unable to verify)

What Makes a Good Verifier

Section titled “What Makes a Good Verifier”

Availability

Section titled “Availability”
  • Work from home or around the community frequently
  • Flexible work hours
  • Mobile (access to car, bike, or ability to move quickly)
  • Can commit to regular shifts

Temperament

Section titled “Temperament”
  • Stays calm in difficult or tense situations
  • Follows protocols even under pressure
  • Good judgment about when to approach vs. maintain distance
  • Understands personal limits and won’t take unnecessary risks

Training

Section titled “Training”
  • Completed ICE Watch training
  • Understands SALUTE reporting
  • Knows how to identify ICE vehicles and agents
  • Familiar with local geography

Verification Process

Section titled “Verification Process”

Step 1: Receive Assignment

Section titled “Step 1: Receive Assignment”
  • Admin sends location and initial report details
  • Acknowledge receipt with your ETA
  • Note any relevant information you already have (known plates, etc.)

Step 2: Approach Safely

Section titled “Step 2: Approach Safely”
  • Park or position yourself with a clear exit route
  • Observe from a distance first
  • Look for identifying markers on vehicles and people
  • Use SAFER method for situational awareness

Step 3: Gather Information

Section titled “Step 3: Gather Information”

If safe to do so:

  • Note vehicle details (make, model, color, plates)
  • Count number of individuals
  • Observe clothing/uniforms
  • Note any visible equipment
  • Take photos/video if possible

Step 4: Confirm or Deny

Section titled “Step 4: Confirm or Deny”
  • If ICE: Immediately report with full SALUTE details
  • If NOT ICE: Report what it actually is (local police, utility workers, false alarm)
  • If UNSURE: Report what you observed and uncertainty

Step 5: Continue Monitoring or Withdraw

Section titled “Step 5: Continue Monitoring or Withdraw”
  • If confirmed ICE, stay and document if safe
  • If not ICE, confirm with admin and return to standby
  • Update if situation changes

Verification Response Messages

Section titled “Verification Response Messages”

Confirming ICE

Section titled “Confirming ICE”

“VERIFIED ICE SIGHTING: [SALUTE details]. [X] agents in tactical gear, vests say POLICE ICE, [vehicle description], plates [number]. Currently [activity]. Requesting backup.”

False Alarm

Section titled “False Alarm”

“False alarm at [location]. Vehicle is [description of what it actually was]. All clear.”

Unable to Verify

Section titled “Unable to Verify”

“Unable to verify at [location]. Vehicle/individuals have left the area. Last seen heading [direction] at [time].”

Safety Guidelines

Section titled “Safety Guidelines”

DO:

Section titled “DO:”
  • Maintain 10+ feet distance from agents
  • Keep your hands visible and empty
  • Have an exit route planned
  • Work with a partner when possible
  • Keep your phone charged and storage available

DON’T:

Section titled “DON’T:”
  • Approach alone if situation seems dangerous
  • Physically interfere with enforcement activity
  • Argue with or provoke agents
  • Share your personal information with agents
  • Take unnecessary risks to get information

When to Withdraw

Section titled “When to Withdraw”

Leave the area if:

  • Agents become aggressive toward you
  • You’re ordered to leave (after documenting the order)
  • The situation becomes chaotic or dangerous
  • You feel unsafe for any reason
  • Your presence might escalate the situation

Your safety comes first. Information from a safe distance is better than no information because you were detained.

Vetting Requirements

Section titled “Vetting Requirements”

Verifiers require high-level vetting:

  1. Complete the vetting form on an encrypted platform
  2. Provide references who can vouch for you
  3. Review and acknowledge protocols
  4. Complete ICE Watch training
  5. Shadow experienced verifiers on first shifts

See Vetting Guidelines for details.

Shift Coverage

Section titled “Shift Coverage”

Networks typically maintain verifier coverage through:

  • Designated shift schedules (morning, afternoon, evening)
  • On-call rotation for overnight/weekends
  • Geographic zones based on verifier locations
  • Backup system when primary verifiers are unavailable

Communicate your availability clearly and reliably.