Responding to Dispatch Calls
Learn how to receive, assess, and respond to ICE Tea dispatch activations.
📟 Responding to Dispatch Calls
When ICE Tea sends out a dispatch call, every second matters. This module will teach you what to expect, how to respond, and how to prepare for your role — calmly, quickly, and securely.
Info
You are never obligated to respond. Consent, safety, and capacity come first. We prepare so we can choose clearly.
What Is a Dispatch Call?
A dispatch call is a coordinated alert to trusted volunteers about urgent or verified activity — typically involving:
- ICE or law enforcement presence
- Community members being followed or detained
- Planned sweeps or suspected raids
- Requests for legal observers, care, or documentation
Calls are sent via Signal and show up in your dispatch map or notification thread.
What to Expect in a Call
Dispatch messages follow a standard format:
🚨 CALL FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT 🚨
📍 Location: [Area or intersection]
📋 Action: [Roles needed or support requested]
🧠 Notes: [Short summary or context]
🕓 Timing: [Now / 30 min / tonight]
📲 Reply in Signal thread if available
You may also get a link to a secure map or encrypted chat. Do not repost or forward messages unless directed.
Rabbit Hole
📄 Want to see real examples? → Check the “Dispatch Coordination” course
How to Respond
If you're available and willing:
- ✅ Reply promptly in the thread (or via check-in link)
“Available. Can be on-site in 20min.”
- 🧠 State your role or capacity
“Can do Legal Observing, no car.”
- 🚙 Coordinate meet-up or coverage zone
- 🤫 Avoid chatter or emoji spam — keep the thread clear for updates
If You Can’t Go
Letting others know is just as important:
- "Unavailable but tracking thread"
- "Out of town, can’t join"
- "Watching from afar, can do report cleanup after"
This helps dispatchers focus and prevents ghost-pinging.
Preparing for a Call-Up
Keep a go kit ready with:
- 🧥 Jacket / scarf for blend-in visibility
- 📱 Phone with Signal + portable charger
- 🧾 Notepad or encrypted note app
- 🧃 Water + snacks
- 🪪 KYR card / badge if applicable
Also:
- 💬 Have your Signal name match your field alias
- 🔕 Silence all alerts but dispatch threads
- 🧭 Review where you are in relation to the call area
Trust & Coverage
Only trusted volunteers with Level 2 status or above are activated. You might:
- Cover an area solo or in pairs
- Check-in by signal emoji ("👀 here 4 blocks")
- Rotate out with backup after a few hours
All responders are expected to:
- Log observations (securely or verbally)
- Respect community consent
- Never escalate
When NOT to Respond
Skip the call if:
- You’re feeling unstable or burnt out
- You’re unsure about legality or role fit
- You’re already in a high-risk environment
- You’re tired and likely to make mistakes
Warning
A shaky ally can do more harm than an absent one. Know your limits.
After the Call
Once off the scene:
- ✅ Mark yourself as “clear” in the thread
- 📝 Log any important observations privately
- ❤️ Take care of your nervous system — eat, hydrate, decompress
- 💬 DM the dispatcher with a 1-2 sentence debrief if relevant
Success
Every response matters. The more we show up with clarity and care, the stronger our network becomes.
📘 Knowledge Check
Where are ICE Tea dispatch calls typically sent?
What should you include in your response if you’re available?
You should only respond to a call if you feel stable, prepared, and clear about your role.
What’s one way to prepare in advance for a call-up?
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