Bystander Intervention Strategies for Supporting Immigrant Rights

3. Document

Documentation provides a vital record of events that can be used for future legal recourse, even if immediate action is not taken.

• Methods: Use your phone to take photos, videos, or detailed written notes (the who, what, when, and where).
• Transparency: If recording in public, clearly state: "I am recording to document any potential violation of rights".
• ICE Encounters: Record from a safe distance. If agents do not have a warrant, record them refusing to show it.

4. Delay

Delay focuses on the aftermath of an incident. It is about checking in with the person after the confrontation has ended to offer emotional support and resources.

• Emotional Support: A simple "knowing glance" can help reduce the trauma of harassment.
• Practical Help: Offer to call a family member or a lawyer. If someone has been detained, provide them with information regarding where they are being taken and when.

5. Direct

Direct intervention is the only strategy where you speak directly to the person causing harm.

• The Approach: Be firm, clear, and final. The goal is to stop the behavior, not to shame the individual.
• Examples: Instead of asking, try stating: "That comment is harmful," or "Stop staring at her".
• Note: Direct intervention is generally not recommended for strangers online due to cybersecurity risks.

Safety Warning: There is a significant difference between discomfort and a lack of safety. Always prioritize your own safety and never physically interfere or obstruct justice during an ICE detainment, as this is a criminal offense.

Protecting Immigrant Rights and Safety

When interacting with law enforcement or immigration officials, understanding constitutional rights is the best way to prepare for high-stress situations.

Constitutional Rights and Preparation

Individuals facing enforcement have specific rights that can be difficult to remember when the body is responding to fear or trauma.

• Right to Remain Silent: Individuals are not required to answer all questions.
• Right to a Lawyer: Individuals can request legal representation.
• Red Cards: To combat the cognitive impairment caused by fear, it is helpful to use "red cards"—small cards with constitutional rights written in multiple languages that can be handed to an individual or read aloud.

Documenting Agent Misconduct

If you witness unlawful or harassing behavior by federal agents, do not assume that reporting it to the agency itself is the only option.

• Community Reporting: Share documentation with local, community-based immigrant advocacy organizations. These groups often have rapid response teams and culturally competent resources.
• The SALUTE Acronym: To provide high-quality information to advocacy groups or rapid response teams, use the SALUTE method to describe the situation:
  • Size: How many officers are in the group?
  • Actions: What are they doing?
  • Location: Where exactly are they?
  • Uniforms: What are they wearing?
  • Time/Date: When is this happening?
  • Equipment: What weapons or tools do they have?

Summary Table: Intervention Strategies

Study Tip: When practicing these skills, remember that "Direct" intervention is about the behavior, not the person. Focus on what needs to stop (e.g., "Stop touching that person's head garment") rather than attacking the individual's character.