When you witness ICE or other federal law enforcement in action, every detail counts. Use the SALUTE framework to make sure you capture what matters most. Work through each letter in order, as quickly and safely as you can.
For guidance on what to do before you start documenting, and what to do with your notes afterward, see our main resource: How to document and report an ICE incident.
S — Size
Record the number of agents, vehicles, and any other assets you can see.
- How many agents are present?
- How many vehicles, and what type?
- Are there any other personnel or units visible?
Examples: "5 agents, 2 unmarked white vans" / "1 vehicle, 3 officers wearing ICE ERO patches"
Why it matters: size helps establish whether this is a targeted action, a home raid, or a broader sweep.
A — Activity
Describe what is happening as precisely as you can, without interpretation or assumption.
- What are agents physically doing?
- Are they knocking on doors, questioning people, making arrests, searching vehicles?
- What is happening to the person or people being detained?
Examples: "Agents knocking on doors and questioning residents" / "Officers detaining two individuals outside a store"
Stick to what you can see and hear. Avoid guessing at intent or immigration status.
L — Location
Record the exact location as precisely as possible.
- Full street address, or the nearest intersection and landmark
- Name of the building or business, if applicable
- Neighborhood or district
Examples: "123 Main St, near the gas station" / "Corner of Kīlauea Ave and Aupuni St, Hilo"
Precise location is critical if you need to alert a rapid response network or legal observer.
U — Unit
Identify the agency or sub-unit based on anything visible.
- Badge markings, patches, or insignia
- Vehicle decals or agency logos
- Uniform colors or any visible ID
Examples: ICE ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations), HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), CBP, DHS
If you cannot identify the agency, describe what you see: uniform color, vehicle type, any visible lettering.
T — Time
Record the exact date and time.
- When did the action begin?
- How long did it last, if you were present for the full duration?
Example: "April 8, 2026, 3:12 PM HST"
Time is essential for verification and for establishing the sequence of events in any legal or official record.
E — Equipment
Note any tools, weapons, vehicles, or gear you observe.
- Restraints, weapons, or protective gear
- Vehicles, including whether they are marked or unmarked
- Cameras, tablets, dogs, or other equipment
Examples: "Flexicuffs, radios, body armor" / "Two vans, one marked DHS, one unmarked" / "K-9 unit present"
Equipment details help establish the nature and scale of the operation.
After you've documented
Secure your notes and any footage as soon as it is safe to do so. Back up video to a cloud account or send it to a trusted contact before leaving the area.
Then follow the steps in How to Document and Report an ICE Incident for what to do next, including how to support someone who was detained, how to alert your community, and where to report what you witnessed.
This resource is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you or someone you know has been detained or is facing immigration proceedings, please contact a qualified immigration attorney as soon as possible.