As ICE activity and crackdowns on immigrants continue across the country, one question comes up often: how safe is it post on social media about ICE observations or nearby raids. Many activists have reported having their posts deleted or reported for sharing information about ICE in recent months.
If you’re worried about the federal government collecting your information, I wouldn’t post anything at all. The federal government can look into social media, and agencies like the FBI are investigating Signal chats in Minnesota, so don’t post if you’re not comfortable.
I spoke directly with platforms like Ring Neighbors and Nextdoor, where ICE is frequently discussed, to find out what you can do. It turns out that you can provide in-depth details as long as you follow certain guidelines. Here’s how.
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Are posts banned on apps like Ring Neighbors?
Posts that name streets and other nearby locations are less likely to be removed.
Tyler Lacoma/CNETWhen I contacted Ring about its Neighbors app’s policies regarding recent events and police raids (as well as Reddit’s reports of deleted posts), the company provided helpful information about its specific policies.
I found out why Ring tends to remove certain posts or prevent them from going live on Neighbors. On the one hand, messages on a general the presence of law enforcement can be removed. So if someone said that ICE was spotted in “Bell Gardens”, their post would be rejected because it’s just too vague. Or what if a message asked, “Hey, is there any ICE activity in town?” » this would not be allowed. Other publications are prohibited if:
- Explicitly obstruct law enforcement
- Expressing political opinions
- Assuming immigration status or other types of prejudice
- Does not apply to local events
What is a safe way to post about police activity?
In-ring posts generally allow for specific information, but not broad discussions or accusations.
Tyler Lacoma/CNETPosts citing an exact location or images showing agents directly connected to an event tend not to be removed. If someone said, “I saw ICE knocking on the doors of IHOP on Florence and Pico,” that would be allowed under Ring’s guidelines. Other authorized publications provide information on exact cross streets, addresses, complexes, blocks, etc.
Bans are not always immediate. Sometimes posts that violate the guidelines are removed after the fact, either as a result of post moderation, user reporting, or user removal. Customers can generally appeal moderation decisions for consistency.
When I turned to Nextdoor, another popular neighborhood app used for discussing events, a company spokesperson said something similar: “Our platform promotes discussions about local issues, and as such our community guidelines prohibit general comments or personal opinions on national political topics.” »
As long as it’s a local issue and users follow basic community guidelines (be respectful, don’t discriminate, and use your real identity), posts should be fine.
What are the guidelines for posting on Ring Neighbors?
App users must give details and detailed descriptions in their posts, especially if they include an image.
Tyler Lacoma/CNETWhen I visit my own Neighbors app, I find — contrary to some reports — that users frequently post about heard sirens or police activity in their own neighborhood, ask about masked strangers, or raise questions about law enforcement.
Messages like these make it clear: you can We always post safety issues on Ring Neighbors and other apps, even and especially when they involve police activity. You can also post about people you don’t recognize and strangers knocking, which opens the door (not literally) to discussions about masked federal ICE agents who carry no identifiers.
In other words, it seems like what Ring said is true. Explicit information citing current local events, preferably with address data, is permitted.
“Focus on the behavior that aroused your suspicion,” recommends Nextdoor. “Describe the potentially criminal or dangerous activity you observed or experienced – what the person was doing, what they said (if they spoke to you). Include the last direction they were heading.” If you post with the safety of your neighborhood in mind, your post is less likely to be deleted.
Finally, avoid posts that include horrible content or violate someone’s privacy, as these are also red flags that could lead to a block.
Does Ring currently share information with ICE?
You may also be concerned that Ring will share your security videos with ICE or surveillance company Flock. Although Ring has a partnership with Flock, Ring reports that it does not yet share videos. If so, you should see a pop-up in the Ring app asking law enforcement for access to your Ring videos. Agencies cannot access your videos without your consent.
Although Flock says it only shares videos with local law enforcement, not ICE, the ACLU says the rules work otherwise.
Can users coordinate on apps like Ring Neighbors?
Ring tends to allow conversations about what people can share regarding current police events.
Tyler Lacoma/CNETThis is a gray area and it is unclear whether the threads will be removed. In my experience on the Neighbors app, a lot of discussion about sirens and unexplained police presence was left out, allowing people to share their own views and what they heard on police scanners.
It is possible that the more these posts mention ICE or federal enforcement, the more likely they are to be removed, and if conversations evolve into discussions of national issues or general legal advice, they may be removed. But many people have reported successfully using apps like Neighbors to discuss nearby law enforcement raids, so I don’t see any evidence of a blanket ban.
Groups that use the Neighbors app to communicate important information or provide assistance should also be aware of the Neighbors Verified label, which is available to public safety agencies and community organizations. This tag allows Neighbors users to trust information and announcements from specific accounts. Verified accounts do not have access to any additional user information.
Can officers hide my security camera or doorbell?
9News, an NBC affiliate in Denver, published footage of what it reported was federal agents hiding a video doorbell during a raid. (The Independent reported that ICE said it “does not comment on specific tactics, capabilities or operational details.”)
It’s unclear whether a move like this is illegal under protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, but civil rights attorneys have said it is. If something like this happens, it’s best to save the recording immediately and remember that officers almost always need a warrant to enter your home.
What are my rights if I’m worried about ICE raids?
Often, the best response to a federal raid is to respond nothing at all and remember your rights.
Westend61/Getty ImagesWhether you’re concerned about federal immigration raids, curious about what law enforcement is doing, or just want clarification on your rights, it’s a good idea to consult the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigrant Justice Center. Here are some tips they recommend.
Do not climb: In cases where federal agents or people appearing to be agents knocked on doors, people did nothing and simply waited for the agents to leave. Remember that without a warrant they usually can’t enter a home and if you have a video doorbell it can still record everything that happens. Avoid confrontation when possible and give law enforcement nothing to act on. Remember that everyone always has the right to remain silent.
If you feel your safety is in danger, call 911 or seek help from a nonprofit organization: Calling 911 is very helpful if you feel unsafe due to events nearby. You can explain the situation and have a record of the call. 911 is an emergency response service and is not responsible for reporting to federal agents. There are also local immigrant rights agencies you can contact to report ICE, and groups like the ACLU can usually point you in the right direction.
For more information, take a look at the latest news on what Ring lets police see (this is good news for privacy fans), the legal ramifications of recording video or audio in your home, and what you and homeowners can legally do with security cameras.
