Version 2.2

ICE Tea Watch Basics

Learn how to identify and report ICE activity using the ICE Tea Watch tool.

6 min read·Qualified Lesson

ICE Tea Watch Basics

Core Module (All Tracks)

Info

ICE Tea Watch is a community-powered alert system, not a surveillance tool. It empowers neighbors to protect each other — not institutions.

Community reporting has reduced ICE arrest success rates by up to 40% in some monitored areas.

What Is ICE Tea Watch?

ICE Tea Watch is a mobile-friendly tool that allows anyone to:

  • 🚨 Report suspected ICE or law enforcement activity
  • 🗺️ View real-time, verified and unverified alerts on a public heatmap
  • 🛡️ Stay informed and safe — no account or app required

Your identity is never required.

What You Can Report

Use ICE Tea Watch to report:

  • 🚓 Unmarked vehicles that look like ICE, CBP, DHS, or police
  • 🧍‍♂️ Agents detaining, questioning, or surveilling people
  • 🚧 Suspicious activity near homes, workplaces, or gathering spots
  • 🕒 Time and direction of movements

¿No estás segurx si son agentes? Reporta con tanto detalle como puedas.

Sample Report

First page of report
Start here by selecting a location.
First page of report
This section shows realtime updates to the report being made.
First page of report
Selet who you saw.
First page of report
While we have a preset for most sightings, you can use the other field to be more specific.
First page of report
It will highlight and have a checkmark to show that you have made a selection.
First page of report
Here you can set whether they were moving or stationary, where they are heading or what direction they are facing. And if they have their lights or sirens on.
First page of report
We hope to be able to get funded to the point where we can start handling photos and videos. But we are not there yet.

Important

Do not include your name, phone, or personally identifying info. Assume reports are monitored by adversaries.

Recognizing ICE Activity

  • Vehicles: SUVs/vans with government or no plates
  • Agents: Blue/black vests labeled “POLICE ICE,” “HSI,” or “CBP”
  • Behavior: Stopping pedestrians, entering homes/businesses, taking photos or watching from cars

What Happens After You Report?

  1. ✅ Your report goes through automated spam filtering
  2. 👀 Verified volunteers review for clarity and safety
  3. 🗺️ If approved, it appears in the Dispatch and may trigger local alerts

Most reports are reviewed within 30 minutes.

How to Stay Safe While Reporting

Warning

Never risk your safety to gather a report. It’s okay to wait and submit later.

  • 🛑 Do not approach or confront agents
  • 🎥 Only record if it’s safe — and disable location metadata if possible
  • 🔐 Use secure browsers or devices when reporting from sensitive areas

What Is Metadata?

Metadata is hidden information stored in photos and videos — like the time, date, location, and device used. This data can reveal where you were, when you were there, and what device you used — even if you don’t share that info directly.

How to Remove Metadata

  • iPhone: Share using AirDrop or Messages, not iCloud or the Photos app
  • Android: Use “Share as file” or install apps like Scrambled Exif
  • Desktop: Open the image → take a screenshot → share the screenshot instead
  • Best practice: Always blur faces and remove background details if they aren’t needed

Info

📷 If you’re not sure how to strip metadata, the easiest option is to take a screenshot — screenshots don’t carry the original hidden data.

Access the Reporting Tool

👉 https://icetea.peoplesrebellion.org/watch

Success

No login. No tracking. No risk of retaliation.

Why It Matters

Every valid report:

  • ⚡ Warns others in real time
  • 🔎 Helps identify harmful state activity patterns
  • 🛡️ Gives communities the power to protect each other

Success

ICE Tea Watch only works because you use it. Your observation could help save someone’s freedom.

Rabbit Hole

📡 Learn About DHS Surveillance Technology Dive into how ICE uses license plate readers, facial recognition, and more. → Search: "EFF ICE surveillance tools report"

Rabbit Hole

🗺️ Build a Local Watch Node Train others to monitor and verify ICE sightings. → Connect with existing CopWatch / MigraWatch groups in your region.

Summary

  • Submit only what you directly observe
  • Be clear, specific, and safe
  • Leave out names and rumors
  • Use the QR link or website anytime

📘 Knowledge Check

What is the main purpose of ICE Tea Watch?

You must log in or create an account to use ICE Tea Watch.

Which of the following are valid types of ICE Tea Watch reports?

Sharing unverifiable secondhand reports can create confusion or fear.

What happens after you submit a report to ICE Tea Watch?

Photos you submit may include metadata like time and location unless removed.

What safety tips should you follow while reporting?

What’s a safe action to take if you suspect ICE activity but can’t confirm?

Which platform allows you to report anonymously and without logging in?

Why are community-submitted reports valuable to ICE Tea Watch?

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