= Volunteer Guide =
Welcome to the Volunteer Guide for the ICE List Wiki.
This project documents incidents, agents, facilities, vehicles, and related material connected to immigration enforcement activity in the United States. The accuracy and usefulness of this resource depends on committed volunteers who help gather information, write pages, improve verification levels, and strengthen the database.
This guide is both a public overview and a practical handbook for approved contributors working inside the system.
== 1. How the Wiki Works ==
The ICE List is structured into several page types:
* Incidents
* Agents
* Vehicles
* Facilities
* Category:287(g)_Agreements
* State indexes
* County indexes
* Glossaries and methodology pages
All edits are reviewed and approved by an administrator before they go live.
=== Verification Levels ===
* '''Verified''' — Supported by strong, reliable evidence with clear sourcing.
* '''Partially Verified''' — Some supporting evidence exists but additional confirmation is needed.
* '''Unverified''' — Reported but lacking supporting documentation.
Volunteers help upgrade verification status by locating documentation, screenshots, court records, local news, or official statements.
== 2. Volunteer Roles ==
Volunteers may work in one or more of the following areas:
* '''Incident Writers''' — Summarize and structure information about incidents.
* '''Agent Profile Writers''' — Build accurate profiles of agents, including unnamed agents using screenshots.
* '''Facility & Vehicle Page Builders''' — Add and maintain infrastructure-related pages.
* '''Verification Team''' — Strengthen sourcing and review claims.
* '''OSINT Team''' — Analyse videos, extract screenshots, identify agents, read plates.
* '''FOIA Team''' — Submit and track FOIA requests.
* '''Data Entry Team''' — Assist with bulk uploads or structured data additions.
* '''Moderators''' — Pre-review edits and flag issues.
* '''Researchers''' — Gather background information on incidents, courts, statistics.
* '''Social Media Watch''' — Monitor platforms for new incidents and leads.
Volunteers take initiative and choose the areas that match their strengths. Tasks will be available continuously as the database grows.
== 3. Working With Initiative ==
Contributors may pick tasks themselves. Typical starting points:
* Browse categories such as Category:Incidents, Category:Agents, Category:Vehicles.
* Look for redlinks that need creation.
* Improve existing pages that have missing data.
* Strengthen weak or incomplete citations.
* Add screenshots of unnamed agents where appropriate.
If you're unsure whether to proceed, leave a note on the talk page or message an administrator.
== 4. Style, Accuracy, and Naming Rules ==
The project follows strict accuracy standards:
* No speculation of any kind.
* Every fact must be sourced.
* All pages must use consistent naming conventions.
* If unsure, mirror the structure of the most complete pages.
* Avoid repetitive language or narrative embellishment.
* Remain neutral in description.
* Never publish private information that is not already public.
=== Checklist Before Submitting ===
* Is the information sourced?
* Are all statements factual, not speculative?
* Are categories listed using tags if only being shown?
* Are dates formatted consistently?
* Are names spelled correctly?
* Are external links functional?
* Does the page follow the standard structure?
== 5. Your First Edit: A Step-by-Step Guide ==
'''1. Choose a task'''
Browse existing categories (e.g., <nowiki>Category:Incidents) to find a page needing work.
'''2. Open the editor'''
You may use either VisualEditor or source mode.
'''3. Add or improve content'''
Follow style rules. Include citations for every fact.
'''4. Save your work for review'''
Your edit will appear in the pending queue for administrators.
'''5. Check back later'''
Admins will approve, request clarification, or leave guidance.
== 6. Screenshot & OSINT Guide (Unnamed Agent Pages) ==
Some volunteers work specifically on identifying or documenting agents via screenshots from videos.
=== When to Capture Screenshots ===
* When an agent appears in a video and is not yet catalogued.
* When multiple angles or frames help establish visual consistency.
* When capturing dashboards, vehicles, or uniforms can assist identification.
=== How to Capture ===
* Use high-resolution frames when possible.
* Crop only the necessary portion of the image.
* Do not add markings, circles, or arrows to the screenshot.
=== Labeling Unnamed Agents ===
Use descriptive labels such as:
* "Unnamed Agent (Chicago Airport Incident, 2024)"
* "Unnamed Agent (Texas Traffic Stop, May 2023)"
Screenshots must comply with platform policies and should not include private addresses, children, or unrelated individuals where avoidable.
== 7. Verification System ==
=== Verified ===
* Supported by documents, video, strong reporting, or official statements.
=== Partially Verified ===
* Some evidence exists, but critical details require confirmation.
=== Unverified ===
* Information is uncorroborated and should be treated cautiously.
Volunteers may upgrade verification levels by locating sources, collecting screenshots, or confirming details through reputable reporting.
== 8. Code of Conduct ==
All volunteers must follow the rules below:
* Treat all contributors respectfully.
* Avoid speculation or personal commentary.
* Protect privacy: never add information not already in the public domain.
* No harassment, no targeting, no political commentary in edits.
* Maintain neutrality in tone and description.
* Follow all admin instructions.
* Use secure communication when handling sensitive information.
* Volunteers may be removed for repeated violations.
== 9. Getting Support ==
If you need help:
* Leave a message on an article's talk page.
* Contact an administrator directly.
* Flag pages needing additional review.
* Request new categories or structural changes where needed.
We encourage volunteers to ask questions early, especially when working on verification or sensitive pages.
== 10. Frequently Asked Questions ==
'''Q: Do I need permission to start contributing?'''
A: Yes. All volunteers must be approved before editing.
'''Q: Can I work on multiple roles?'''
A: Yes. You may work wherever you feel comfortable.
'''Q: What if I'm unsure whether something is allowed?'''
A: Ask an administrator or leave a note on the talk page.
'''Q: What if two sources conflict?'''
A: Present both neutrally and wait for admin direction.
'''Q: Can I suggest improvements to the system?'''
A: Absolutely. Volunteers are encouraged to propose enhancements.
'''Q: Are my edits anonymous?'''
A: Your username is visible, but no personal data is needed or requested.
'''Q: How do I find tasks?'''
A: Browse categories such as Category:Incidents, Category:Agents, or redlinked pages awaiting creation.
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Thank you for contributing to the ICE List Wiki. Your work directly strengthens transparency, documentation, and accountability.