What Can You Legally Share About ICE Raids on Social Media? I Know


As ICE activity and related crackdowns against immigrants continue across the country, a common question is how safe to post on social media about Views on ICE or nearby raids. Many activists have reported that their posts have been made taken or flagged for sharing information about ICE over the past few months.

If you are worried about the federal government collecting your information, I will never post anything. The feds can look at social media, and Agencies like the FBI are investigating Signal chats in Minnesota, so don’t post if you don’t feel comfortable.

I talk directly to platforms like Ring Neighbors and Nextdoor, where ICE is often mentioned, to find out what you can do. It turns out that you can provide in-depth detail as long as you do so following certain guidelines. Here’s how.


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Read more: Is it Legal for the Police to Seize Your Home Security Videos?

Are posts banned on apps like Ring Neighbors?

The Ring Neighbors app that shows the post about police activity.

Posts naming streets and other nearby locations are less likely to be deleted.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

When I contacted Ring about the Neighbors app’s policies regarding recent events and police raids (as well as Reddit reports regarding posts removed), the company provides useful information about its specific policies.

I understand why the Ring tends to remove certain posts or prevent them from going live on Neighbors. For one thing, posts about a general Law enforcement presence may disappear. So if someone says that ICE was found in “Bell Gardens,” their post will be denied because that is vague. Or when a post asks, “Hey, is there any ICE activity in town?” it is not allowed. Some posts will be banned if they:

  • Obvious obstruction of law enforcement
  • Voice political opinions
  • Apply for immigration status or other forms of discrimination
  • Excludes local events

What is a safe way to post about police activity?

Ring Neighbors app map showing area alerts.

Ring posts generally allow for specific information but not broad discussion or accusations.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

Posts that mention an exact location or images that show agents directly connected to an event will likely not be removed. If someone says, “I saw ICE knocking on the doors of the IHOP at Florence and Pico,” that would be allowed under Ring’s guidelines. Other allowed posts provide information on exact cross streets, addresses, complexes, blocks and more.

Restrictions are not always immediate. Sometimes posts that violate standards are removed after the fact, either as a result of post publication moderation, user flagging or user removal. Customers can usually appeal decisions moderately 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 of local issues and, as such, our Community Guidelines prohibit extensive commentary 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), then posts should be fine.

What are the guidelines for posting on Ring Neighbors?

A post on Ring Neighbors mentions that the police have been found.

App users must provide details and full descriptions of their posts, especially if they include a photo.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

When I visit my own Neighbors app, I see — contrary to some reports — that users often post about hearing sirens or police activity in their own neighborhoods, ask about masked strangers or raise questions about law enforcement.

Posts like this make it clear: You CAN still posts about security concerns with Ring Neighbors and other apps, even and especially when it involves police activity. You can also post about people you don’t know and strangers knocking, opening the door (not literally) to talk masked federal ICE agents without wearing any identifiers.

In other words, it looks like what Ring said was true. Clear information that deals with current, local events is allowed, preferably with address data.

“Focus on the behavior that raises your suspicions,” Recommended by Nextdoor. “Describe the possible criminal or dangerous activity you observed or experienced — what the person was doing, what they were saying (if they were talking to you). Include the direction they were going.” If you post looking at the safety of your neighborhood, your post will be less likely to be deleted.

Finally, avoid posts that include offensive content or violate someone’s privacy, as these are also red flags that will likely lead to a block.

Does Ring currently share information with ICE?

You may also be concerned that Ring is sharing your security videos with ICE or the surveillance company Flock. While Ring did has a partnership with Flockring reports that it has not shared any videos at the moment. When this happens, you should see a pop-up in the Ring app requesting that law enforcement access your Ring videos. Agencies cannot access your videos without your permission.

While Flock says it only shares videos with local law enforcementnot ICE, the ACLU says the rules work the other way around.

Can users coordinate with apps like Ring Neighbors?

Ring Neighbors feeds with police post and map.

The ring allows conversations about what people can share about ongoing police events.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

It’s a gray area, and it’s hard to know when discussions will be removed. In my experience with the Neighbors app, many discussions about sirens and unknown police presence are left, allowing people to share their own views and what they hear on the police scanners.

It’s possible that the more these posts mention ICE or federal enforcement, the more likely they will be removed, and if the conversations veer into discussions about national issues or general legal advice, they may be removed. But many people report using apps like Neighbors successfully discuss nearby law enforcement raidso I see no evidence of a blanket ban.

Groups that use the Neighbors app to communicate important information or provide assistance should also be aware of Verified neighbors tagavailable to public safety agencies and community organizations. This tag makes it easier for Neighbors users to trust information and notifications from specific accounts. Verified accounts do not have access to any additional user information.

Can agents cover my security cam or doorbell?

An NBC affiliate in Denver, 9News, published footage what it reported was federal agents covering 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 lawyers say it is. If something like this happens, it’s best to save the recording immediately — and remember that agents will almost always need a warrant to enter your home.

What are my rights if I am concerned about ICE raids?

A man wearing a yellow jacket opened the door of the house to look outside.

Often the best response to a federal attack is no response at all, as well as remembering your rights.

Images by Westend61/Getty

If you’re worried about federal immigration raids, curious about what law enforcement is doing, or just want clarification about your rights, it’s a good idea to consult the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigrant Justice Center. Here is some advice they recommend.

  • Don’t overdo it: In cases where federal agents or people posing as agents knocked on doors, people did nothing and simply waited for the agents to leave. Remember, without a warrant, they usually cannot enter a houseand if you have a video doorbell, it can still record everything that happens. Avoid confrontation if possible, and do not give any action to law enforcement. Remember, everyone has the right to remain silent.

  • If you feel your safety is at risk, call 911 or get help from a nonprofit: Calling 911 can be very helpful if you feel unsafe due to nearby events. You can explain the situation and have a record of the call. 911 is an emergency response service and is not in the business of reporting to federal agents. There are also local immigrant rights agencies you can contact to report to ICE, and groups like the ACLU can often point you in the right direction.

For more information, see the latest news what Ring was watching the police (this is good news for privacy fans), the legal consequences of recording video or audio in your homeand what You and your landlord can legally install security cameras.





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