US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been spotted driving unmarked cars, sparking fears of widespread enforcement actions in the US.
A group of volunteers has created a public database to track the license plates of these vehicles, which they believe will help people understand where ICE agents are operating and how they can protect themselves.
The database, built around community submissions of photos of ICE vehicles, currently lists over 600 plates matched to the make and model of the vehicle. Most sightings have come from vehicles involved in enforcement actions in Portland, Oregon.
Organizers hope that by sharing this information publicly, they can reduce fear and intimidation among immigrant communities who may be targeted by ICE agents. The activist behind the project says: "It helps reduce the unknown and reduce fear... ICE is doing whatever they can to be undetected, and so anything we can do to chip away at that obfuscation."
The database has been created using a decentralized file-sharing system called IPFS, which allows users to anonymously share information without being vulnerable to subpoenas or takedown orders.
This effort comes as ICE activity in Oregon has increased dramatically in recent months. According to activists, federal agents are now conducting sweeping arrests and detaining people who are not the targets of raids, sparking widespread fear and intimidation among immigrant communities.
The Intercept has learned that the Portland Immigration Rights Council tallied nearly 800 detentions in the area since October, which they believe is likely an undercount. Activists say the database project is crucial to helping community members understand where ICE agents are operating and how to protect themselves.
Recent efforts by activists to track and unmask ICE agents have drawn attention from top federal officials. In July, Department of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem warned that anyone attempting to dox ICE agents could face prosecution under the law.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, The Intercept is working to expand its reporting capacity to provide accurate information about immigration enforcement actions and their impact on communities.
A group of volunteers has created a public database to track the license plates of these vehicles, which they believe will help people understand where ICE agents are operating and how they can protect themselves.
The database, built around community submissions of photos of ICE vehicles, currently lists over 600 plates matched to the make and model of the vehicle. Most sightings have come from vehicles involved in enforcement actions in Portland, Oregon.
Organizers hope that by sharing this information publicly, they can reduce fear and intimidation among immigrant communities who may be targeted by ICE agents. The activist behind the project says: "It helps reduce the unknown and reduce fear... ICE is doing whatever they can to be undetected, and so anything we can do to chip away at that obfuscation."
The database has been created using a decentralized file-sharing system called IPFS, which allows users to anonymously share information without being vulnerable to subpoenas or takedown orders.
This effort comes as ICE activity in Oregon has increased dramatically in recent months. According to activists, federal agents are now conducting sweeping arrests and detaining people who are not the targets of raids, sparking widespread fear and intimidation among immigrant communities.
The Intercept has learned that the Portland Immigration Rights Council tallied nearly 800 detentions in the area since October, which they believe is likely an undercount. Activists say the database project is crucial to helping community members understand where ICE agents are operating and how to protect themselves.
Recent efforts by activists to track and unmask ICE agents have drawn attention from top federal officials. In July, Department of Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem warned that anyone attempting to dox ICE agents could face prosecution under the law.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, The Intercept is working to expand its reporting capacity to provide accurate information about immigration enforcement actions and their impact on communities.
, but also super scary for those who might be targeted... can't imagine being in a situation where you're not even sure if the cop is actually an ICE agent or just a regular officer 
. hope this database helps people feel more prepared and less fearful 
. I mean, what's the point of that if you're trying to keep people safe? 
! I mean, who wants to be driven around by unmarked cars with unknown agents lurking inside? 
It's like something straight out of a movie... #ICEsuckingupourrights. But seriously, the community's coming together to track down these plates & help ppl stay safe. Kudos 2 them for using decentralized tech like IPFS 2 anonymously share info & avoid ICE's prying eyes 
. Can't say I'm surprised that fear & intimidation are on the rise in OR though - ICE activity has been escalating & it's heartbreaking 2 think ppl r living in constant terror 
. What do u guys think? Should we keep pushing for transparency & accountability from our gov? 
#ImmigrantRightsMatter
it just feels so... vigilantism-y
. We need to support our communities and stand up for those who are being targeted by ICE agents. It's time to chip away at the fear and intimidation, not just with a database, but with collective action 
.