In Lenawee County, many of us are used to looking out for our neighbors—whether that means showing up in a hard moment, sharing resources, or simply paying attention when something doesn’t feel right.
As immigration enforcement expands across the country, more communities like ours are asking an urgent question:
What should we do if we witness ICE activity here at home?
On January 26, 2026, the No Kings coalition hosted a national training called Eyes on ICE, focused on the rights and responsibilities of community members who observe enforcement activity in public spaces.
The training emphasized a clear message: peaceful observation is a constitutional right—and when exercised safely, it can help protect vulnerable neighbors and uphold accountability.
Below are some of the main takeaways.
Observing Is a Constitutional Right
One of the clearest messages from the training was this:
Peaceful assembly and protest are constitutional rights. Observing law enforcement activity is also a constitutional right—and exercising it helps protect it.
Community members have the right to:
- Record law enforcement activity in public
- Remain present as an observer
- Document events without interfering
That said, rights are strongest when paired with caution and good judgment.
Your Right to Record (And What That Requires)
Yes—you can legally record ICE or other law enforcement officers in public spaces.
But the training emphasized a few important guidelines:
- Keep your distance
- Do not obstruct or interfere
- Avoid creating a safety hazard
A good rule of thumb: stay far enough away that an officer would have to take a step toward you to make contact.
If questioned, you can calmly state:
“I have a right to record.”
Safety Comes First: De-Escalation Matters
The top priority in any situation involving enforcement activity is:
Safety and de-escalation
Even when you are acting within your rights, interactions can escalate quickly. Trainers strongly encouraged observers to:
- Remain calm
- Avoid sudden movements
- Keep hands open and visible
- Follow lawful instructions
- Never resist or physically obstruct
If an officer orders you to move back, you can narrate your compliance while continuing to record:
“I’m backing away, officer.”
Arguing on the scene is usually not productive. Staying steady and non-confrontational is safer for everyone.
Recording Best Practices
If you choose to record, the training offered specific guidance:
Record continuously
Do not stop and restart filming.
Save and back up Video files immediately
As soon as possible, send a copy of the footage to another device or trusted person. Then make sure the saved footage is stored securely.
Do not edit footage
No cutting, filtering, or altering. Edited footage may lose credibility or legal usefulness.
Take written notes afterward
Document details such as:
- Names and badge numbers
- Weapons or equipment present
- What officers were wearing
- Location markers (street signs, nearby buildings)
- Other witnesses or cameras nearby
If others are present, get names or contact info to help corroborate events later.
Risks and Legal Gray Areas
The training also acknowledged some real risks.
- Officers may harass or harm people who are recording.
- Some actions (like alerting neighbors or shielding children) may be treated differently in practice.
- Certain tactics—like using whistles—remain legally untested and could be interpreted as interference.
The guidance was to prioritize safety and avoid anything that could be framed as obstruction.
What to Do With Footage
If you capture something concerning, trainers recommended sharing footage responsibly. You should try to get copies of the footage to the impacted person’s family and their lawyer. It’s also a good idea to connect with trusted local immigration advocacy organizations for advice.
Remember: unaltered footage is most useful.
Know Your Phone Rights
A key reminder: Law enforcement generally cannot search or seize your phone without a judicial warrant.
A warrant must be signed by a judge and specify what is being sought.
There was some uncertainty about how this may change if someone is arrested, but the general rule remains: your phone has strong legal protections.
Preparedness Tips
The training also emphasized practical readiness:
- U.S. citizens are not required to carry proof of citizenship.
- If carrying ID, consider bringing a copy rather than original documents
- Carry emergency contact information.
- Make sure your emergency contact knows where to find important documents (passport, birth certificate).
- Let someone know where you will be and who you are with.
Trusted Resource
For more information, the ACLU remains one of the best sources for up-to-date guidance.
ACLU Know Your Rights: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights
Final Thought: Community Care Through Calm Presence
The Eyes on ICE training reminded participants that community safety doesn’t come from panic—it comes from preparedness, solidarity, and knowing our rights.
Observation and documentation, when done responsibly, is one of the most powerful ways to protect neighbors and uphold our constitutional freedoms.