Fight

Fighting back means legal resistance, community organizing, and political action. Not violence. The most powerful weapon against a police state is an organized community that knows its rights.

Non-Violent. Always.

"Fight" on this site means legal, political, and community action. Never physical confrontation with law enforcement. Your safety and your freedom are the priorities.

Legal Resistance

Filing Complaints

  • File complaints about ICE agent misconduct with the DHS Office of Inspector General: 1-800-323-8603
  • File complaints with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
  • Contact your local ACLU chapter to report rights violations
  • Document everything: dates, times, badge numbers, witnesses, what was said

FOIA Requests

You have the right to request records about yourself from any federal agency using a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. This includes records ICE or CBP may have about you.

How to File

  • Submit FOIA requests online through each agency's FOIA portal
  • DHS FOIA: request records from ICE, CBP, and USCIS in one request
  • Include your full name, date of birth, and A-number (if applicable)
  • Organizations like ACLU and NILC can help you file

Finding Legal Representation

Immigration court is the only court system in the U.S. where people can face a judge without a lawyer, including children. Having an attorney dramatically improves your outcome.

  • See our Resources page for free and low-cost legal aid
  • Many organizations offer free consultations and representation
  • Beware of "notarios" who claim to be lawyers but are not. Only licensed attorneys can provide legal advice

Community Organizing

Rapid Response Networks

A rapid response network is a group of community members who are trained to respond when ICE is spotted in your area.

How They Work

  • A community member spots ICE activity and sends an alert
  • Trained responders go to the scene to observe, document, and support
  • Legal observers record badge numbers, vehicle plates, and actions
  • Community members share information to help others avoid the area
  • Affected families are connected to legal aid and support

Start a Network

Getting Started

  • Connect with existing organizations (United We Dream, local immigrant rights groups)
  • Train volunteers on legal observer protocols and Know Your Rights
  • Set up an encrypted communication channel (Signal group)
  • Create a phone tree or text alert system for ICE sightings
  • Practice scenarios so responders know what to do
  • Coordinate with local legal aid organizations for referrals

Communication Trees

A communication tree ensures information reaches everyone quickly:

  • One person contacts 3-5 people, each of whom contacts 3-5 more
  • Use Signal or WhatsApp for encrypted group messages
  • Have a backup method (phone calls) in case apps are down
  • Include a Spanish-language chain and other languages as needed
  • Test the tree monthly so everyone knows it works

Political Action

Make Your Voice Heard

  • Contact your representatives. Call, email, and visit the offices of your city council, state legislators, and members of Congress. Demand sanctuary policies and limits on ICE cooperation.
  • Attend public hearings. City council meetings, school board meetings, and town halls are where local policy is made.
  • Register to vote (if eligible) and vote in every election, especially local elections where policies directly affect your community.
  • Support candidates who advocate for immigrant rights and civil liberties.
  • Join or support organizations doing this work: United We Dream, ACLU, NILC, RAICES, local immigrant rights groups.

Bystander Intervention

If you witness an ICE encounter, you can help without putting yourself at risk.

Safe Ways to Help

  • Document. Record video from a safe distance. Stay on public property. You have the right to film law enforcement in public spaces.
  • Do not interfere physically. You can be arrested for obstruction.
  • Be a witness. Your presence matters. Write down badge numbers, vehicle plates, location, time, and what happened.
  • Offer support. Ask the person if they need you to call their attorney, family, or a hotline number.
  • Share the footage with the person's attorney, the ACLU, or local legal observers.

Know the Risk

Intervening carries risk. Do not physically obstruct, touch, or confront officers. Stay calm. Your most powerful tool is a camera and a steady hand.