Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration and the implementation of his mass deportation agenda, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been raiding American cities, detaining and arresting people illegally and with no due process, and have fatally shot two civilians, Renéne Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis.
As videos of brutal violence circulate, and seemingly no one in power stands up, things can start to feel hopeless. You may feel that there is nothing you can do, but this is absolutely not true. When our government fails to protect us, it’s up to We the People to demand change. No matter who or where you are, there are ways you can stand up to ICE presence and make your voice heard.
1. Talk to people
The first and easiest way to stand up to ICE is by talking to your friends and family.
Educate those who may have a different perspective or are ignorant to the severity of the situation. Make people aware of the brutality and violence committed by ICE officers. Use your social media to spread awareness and share resources.
The fight against ICE requires us to work together, and that begins with conversations.
2. Utilize a tip line
In the fight against ICE, mere minutes could be the difference between someone getting detained, and staying safe another day. To keep others informed of the ICE activity in your area, use a local tip line when you see an ICE officer or vehicle.
The number for the South Carolina Midlands is 803-400-661, however, you can find the number for other tip lines online and on social media.
When you call, remember the acronym S.A.L.U.T.E. Make sure to record and report the size, or number of personnel/vehicles you see, the activity of the agents, the location of the agents, the unit, or any other identifying characteristics of the agents, and the time you saw them.
Communication is key in protecting those most vulnerable from ICE terror.
3. Contact your representatives
To demand real legislative change, call or write to your congressional representatives and urge them to reject ICE funding. Explain to them that this brutality is not what their constituents want, and certainly not where they want their tax money to go.
The organization Common Cause provides an easy way to find all of your representatives, local to federal, in one place. You can find a script on what to say, and further help contacting your representatives through the organization Indivisible.
4. attend a protest
From the start of our nation, we as Americans have aired out our grievances through political protest. The Party For Socialism & Liberation (PSL), as well as the 50501 Movement host several protests each month and are very active in the fight against ICE.
You can also organize your own events, such as school walk-outs or street-side demonstrations. Freedom Forum provides a great resource for planning your own protest, called “How to Organize a Protest: A Step-by-Step Guide to Peaceful Assembly.”
5. vote
The final, and arguably most important, thing you can do to stand up to ICE is vote in the upcoming midterm elections. Research candidates and vote for those who oppose ICE. These elections will be absolutely critical if we want Congress to have a chance at putting an end to this.
If you are not yet registered to vote, visit vote.gov and get registered today!
