When an ICE enforcement action happens, what you do in the moments and hours afterward matters. A clear, detailed record can support legal challenges, help affected individuals, hold agents accountable, and contribute to the growing body of documentation that advocates and lawmakers can use to push back at the state and national level.
You have the legal right to observe, film, and report any law enforcement action in Hawaiʻi, including by ICE and other federal agencies, as long as you do not interfere with the action. This right is protected under the First Amendment of the US Constitution and, as of 2026, under Hawaiʻi state law.
Your safety comes first
No record is worth putting yourself at risk. Before anything else:
- Keep a safe distance. Do not place yourself between agents and the person being detained.
- Do not physically interfere with an enforcement action, even one you believe is unlawful. Interference can result in your own arrest.
- Be aware of your surroundings: note exits, stay calm, and do not draw attention to yourself if you feel unsafe.
- If you are undocumented or have concerns about your own immigration status, prioritize your safety above documenting. Your presence and well-being matter more than any record.
What to document
Focus on documenting the agents and their actions, not the individuals being detained. Write down or record as much of the following as you can, as soon as it is safe to do so. Memory fades quickly; even partial notes taken right after an incident are far more useful than a full account written hours later.
The SALUTE framework gives you a structured way to work through what to capture, so nothing important gets missed in the moment. See Document an ICE Encounter with SALUTE for the full breakdown.
- S — Size: number of agents and vehicles
- A — Activity: what agents are doing
- L — Location: exact address or intersection
- U — Unit: agency or sub-unit, based on visible markings
- T — Time: exact date and time
- E — Equipment: tools, weapons, vehicles, and gear
Other notes to take:
- How the action started and how it ended
- Whether a warrant was presented, and if so, what type (judicial or administrative)
- Whether agents identified themselves, showed badges, or were masked
- Whether force was used, and if so, how
- Physical descriptions, badge numbers, or any visible identification
- Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers, including any unmarked vehicles
- Names and contact details of anyone else who saw what happened, if they are willing to share
If you were filming, secure your footage immediately: back it up to a cloud account or send it to a trusted contact before you leave the area.
What to do with what you've documented
Depending on the situation, your documentation may serve different purposes.
If someone was detained or rights were violated: seek legal support
Contact an immigration attorney or legal advocacy organization as quickly as possible. In Hawaiʻi, the organizations best placed to help are:
- ACLU of Hawaiʻi — takes cases involving rights violations and provides legal support to individuals in detention
- Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights (HCIR) — connects individuals and families to legal resources and support networks
- The Legal Clinic — provides immigration legal services in Hawaiʻi
Do not delay. The sooner legal support is in place, the more options are available.
If you witnessed agents in an area: alert your community
Some IHSN chapters maintain rapid response networks that can mobilize community members quickly when enforcement activity is reported. Contact information for rapid response coordinators:
- Oʻahu: contact the Oʻahu Rapid Response Coalition at 808-824-4707
- Hawaiʻi Island: notify coordinator Tina Marie, who can add you to the Signal group
- Maui: contact Roots Reborn
Visit our chapters page to find your local chapter and learn about other ways to connect.
If agents behaved unlawfully or used excessive force: file a formal complaint
Two official channels exist for complaints against ICE agents. Neither has a strong track record of accountability under the current administration, but filing a complaint creates a record and may contribute to future legal or legislative action:
- ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR): call 833-442-3677 or email ICEOPRIntake@ice.dhs.gov
- DHS Office of Inspector General: call 800-323-8603
Contributing to the public record
Your documented incident may help advocates and lawmakers build the case for accountability and policy change. Two places actively collecting this information:
- HCIR — works with community members to document patterns of enforcement activity across Hawaiʻi
- House Oversight Committee Democrats' Immigration Dashboard — compiling a verified national record of ICE misconduct to support congressional oversight; you can submit a verifiable incident directly
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.