Many of my friends and colleagues know that I begin a greeting with “so everything’s on fire, but how are you?” This continues to be the case every day, growing stronger as senseless violence escalates. UCPEA’s Social Justice Committee has been working with fellow members who are also concerned about ICE in our communities, on a response plan should we be needed.
On December 16th, we discussed ways we can show up that could best help affected parties. These roles ranged from connecting to a patchwork of lawyers trying to get folks out of detainment to sharing resources for families experiencing a significant reduction in income. One of our important discussions outlined the role and details around legal observation. Anyone witnessing an ICE raid should take careful notes of all enforcement proceedings with photos, audio or video recording, or written notes. More information below outlines the SALUTE acronym.
I noticed a sharp rise in fear with the recent murder of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old US citizen and legal observer of ICE in Minneapolis. This murder was committed by an ICE agent, with no obstruction of their public work, in broad daylight, and recorded for the world to witness. What I want our world and our members to know is that her murder is not permission for us to take a seat. When people put their lives on the line for the community, they deserve our reverence, not a 'nothing matters' attitude. This is inspiration for why we should be organizing in greater numbers.
Let us learn from the enduring courage of Black and Brown communities who have been filming and documenting police brutality for decades. From whom one of our most important indictments and actions of accountability came from: 17-year-old Darnella Frazier who used her cell phone to document the murder of George Floyd. Her effort resulted in a Pulitzer Prize and helped in the conviction of Derek Chauvin. The Black Lives Matter movement grew and brought with it the attention of the world.
This is why this work matters. Keep filming, keep recording law enforcement in public. It’s completely legal as long as you are not obstructing them. You do not need permission. You do not have to answer questions. Video evidence matters. Footage creates accountability. Documentation can save lives. ICE agents operate in public spaces. The public has the right to observe and record public officials doing public work.
Silence helps no one. Obedience won’t keep us safe. We spent years trying to be quiet enough to be invisible, believing that silence was a form of protection. We played by the rules of a game that was rigged against us, hoping our obedience would buy us peace. But we continue to learn the hard way every day that the system doesn't reward 'good' behavior, it only demands it.
If you're interested in learning more about our community efforts, reach out to socialjustice@ucpea.org
Nishelli Ahmed,
UCPEA VP Social Justice
UCPEA VP Social Justice
Know Your Rights as an ICE Observer, New Haven Immigrants Coalition
You have the right to:
- Observe and film law enforcement in public.
- Talk to the person being detained.
- Talk to law enforcement. (See “Phrases to use with ICE agents”)
- Stay on public property (sidewalks, streets, parks).
- If you are on private property (parking lot, storefront, yard) and the owner (not ICE) asks you to leave, move to a public space nearby.
- Record clearly.
- Narrate the time, place, and what you see.
- It is best to film one continuous video, if possible. No pauses.
- Speak calmly and assertively.
- You are there to witness, not escalate.
Do not:
- Block, touch, or interfere physically.
- Argue beyond what is necessary to assert rights.
SALUTE:
When reporting potential threats, provide as much information as possible!
S- Size/Strength
A- Activity/Action
L- Location
U- Uniform/Clothes
T- Time
E- Equipment
Phrases to use with ICE agents
- Are you conducting immigration enforcement?
- Do you have a judicial warrant signed by a judge? Can I see it? (necessary on private property but not on public property)
- Are you detaining someone? On what grounds?
- What is your name and badge number? (document any refusal)
- Please identify yourselves. You are operating in public.
- Why are your face covered? Federal agents must identify themselves.
- Community members are observing this for transparency.
- If agents refuse to identify themselves: You are being recorded. You are refusing to identify yourself while detaining someone in public.
Remember you are the eyes on the ground. These can be very intense moments. Remember to pause, breathe, and ground yourself so you can remain calm. Your calm presence and accurate documentation can help protect lives.