Information to Document

Creating Information to Document

What details matter most when documenting ICE activity, and how to gather them safely and accurately.

Good documentation is the backbone of the ICE List. A single video or sighting becomes far more powerful when it comes with the right information. This page explains exactly what to capture, what to write down, and how to avoid common mistakes that make documentation unusable.

1. Focus on What Can Be Verified

When documenting an event, prioritize details that:

• Are visible on camera
• Can be supported by timestamps or physical evidence
• Can be confirmed by multiple observers

Avoid:

• Speculation
• Assumptions about motives
• Guessing someone’s immigration status

Stick to observable facts.

2. Location Information

Accurate location is essential for mapping ICE activity. Include:

• Exact street address (if safe to obtain)
• Cross streets
• Landmarks (shops, signs, building numbers)
• Direction of travel (e.g., “northbound on Kedzie Ave.”)

If you can’t get the exact address, describe:

• “Outside the laundromat on the corner of ___”
• “Behind the apartment building facing ___”

If you’re recording video, take 2–3 seconds to pan to a street sign when safe.

3. Time and Date

Always document:

• The date
• The exact time, if possible

If you’re unsure:

• Note the general window (“around 3 p.m.” / “early morning”)
• Describe environmental cues (e.g., school dismissal time, sunrise, etc.)

Phones automatically timestamp video, but write it down anyway.

4. Agents and Uniform Details

ICE often uses mixed teams and plain-clothes officers. Capture:

• Jacket or vest lettering (ICE, POLICE, CBP, HSI)
• Patches
• Colors of shirts, pants, gear
• Visible badges
• Any name tags or numbers (even partial)

If safe, zoom in on:

• Shoulder patches
• Chest insignia
• Belt equipment

This helps identify whether the operation involves ERO, HSI, CBP, local police under 287(g), or contractors.

5. Vehicle Information

Vehicles often confirm jurisdiction more reliably than uniforms. Document:

• License plate numbers
• State of issue
• Vehicle make and model
• Markings (ICE, DHS, Police)
• Rental stickers (common in plain-clothes operations)
• Color, unique damage, stickers, or equipment

Even partial plates help.

6. What Agents Say or Claim

If you overhear or capture audio of agents stating:

• They “have a warrant”
• They “need to talk to someone inside”
• They “are doing an investigation”
• They are “federal officers”
• They reference another agency

Write the exact wording.

Every phrase matters for verification.

7. What Happened During the Encounter

Describe actions, not motivations. Include:

• Who agents spoke to
• Whether they asked for IDs
• Whether they tried to enter a home
• Whether they blocked someone’s path
• Whether they detained, tackled, handcuffed or transported someone
• Any threats or commands they issued

Also include:

• If bystanders were told to leave
• If agents tried to prevent recording
• If someone was taken away in a vehicle

Stick to simple, factual language.

8. Evidence You Can Submit

You can submit any of the following to the ICE List incident team:

• Photos or video
• Screenshots
• Written witness accounts
• Plate numbers
• Audio recordings (if lawful in your state)
• Links to social media posts
• News articles confirming the event

Include a note if:

• You are the witness
• You found it online
• You are unsure whether it’s ICE or another agency

We will handle verification.

9. What *Not* to Document

Avoid:

• Identifying vulnerable community members on video
• Recording inside private homes
• Sharing unblurred faces of civilians
• Posting raw footage publicly before we review it
• Trying to follow ICE vehicles for long distances
• Guessing the immigration status of anyone involved

Your safety always comes first.

10. How to Submit Information

When you have the details ready, send them through our secure intake:

• ICE List:How to Report an Incident
• Follow the template and include as much of the above information as possible.

The more complete your documentation, the easier it is for us to verify, map, and connect this incident to agents, vehicles, and facilities already in the system.

See Also

• Know Your Rights
• Recording Incidents Safely
• ICE List:How to Report an Incident
• ICE List:Image Submission Rules