How to Document an ICE Incident

Document Everything

Strong documentation can make the difference between a dismissed complaint and accountability. Record details as soon as possible while they're fresh.

Why Documentation Matters

Proper documentation serves multiple purposes:

Supports official complaints to DHS OIG and CRCL
Provides evidence for legal proceedings
Creates a record for advocacy organizations
Protects against retaliation by establishing timeline
Helps identify patterns of misconduct

What to Document

Incident Details

Record these details as soon as possible:

Information	Examples
Date and time	March 15, 2024 at approximately 6:30 AM
Location	Adelanto ICE Processing Center, Unit 3B
Duration	Approximately 20 minutes
Weather/conditions	Indoor, fluorescent lighting

People Involved

For each officer or staff member:

[ ] Badge number (visible on uniform)
[ ] Physical description (height, build, hair color, distinguishing features)
[ ] Name (if stated or visible on name tag)
[ ] Agency (ICE ERO, CBP, local police, facility staff)
[ ] Role (arresting officer, supervisor, medical staff)
[ ] Approximate age

What Was Said

Write down exact quotes when possible:

What did they say?
What did you say?
Were commands given?
Were threats made?
Was legal advice given (or denied)?
Were questions asked without Miranda warnings?

What Was Done

Describe actions in specific detail:

[ ] How was force used? (pushing, grabbing, hitting, restraints)
[ ] Were weapons drawn or pointed?
[ ] Were restraints applied? (handcuffs, ankle chains, zip ties)
[ ] Was property taken or damaged?
[ ] Were phones confiscated?
[ ] Was medical care requested and denied?

Injuries

Document all injuries, no matter how minor:

[ ] Bruises, cuts, or scrapes
[ ] Pain or discomfort
[ ] Difficulty breathing
[ ] Mental distress or trauma
[ ] Existing conditions that worsened

How to Document

Written Statement

Write a detailed account as soon as possible:

Use present tense when describing what happened
Be specific about times, locations, and people
Include direct quotes when possible
Describe sensory details (what you saw, heard, felt)
Note your emotional state (fear, pain, confusion)
Sign and date the statement

Example Format:

INCIDENT STATEMENT

Date of Incident: [Date]
Time: [Approximate time]
Location: [Specific location]

On [date], at approximately [time], I was [describe situation].
[Officer description] approached me and said "[exact quote]."
I responded by [your actions/words].
The officer then [specific actions taken].
I felt [your physical/emotional state].

Signed: _________________ Date: _________
Witness: ________________ Date: _________

Photographs

If possible, photograph:

[ ] Injuries (immediately and as they develop over days)
[ ] Damaged property
[ ] The location where incident occurred
[ ] Documents given or taken
[ ] Badge numbers or ID cards
[ ] Vehicles (license plates, unit numbers)

Photo Tips:

Include something for scale (hand, ruler, coin)
Take photos in good lighting
Photograph from multiple angles
Include wide shots showing context
Enable timestamp on your camera
Back up photos to cloud storage

Medical Records

Seek medical attention and document:

[ ] Emergency room visit records
[ ] Doctor's notes describing injuries
[ ] X-rays or imaging results
[ ] Mental health evaluation
[ ] Prescription records

Important: Tell medical providers the injuries resulted from an ICE encounter. This creates an official medical record.

Witness Information

Collect from anyone who saw the incident:

[ ] Full name
[ ] Phone number
[ ] Email address
[ ] Relationship to you
[ ] What they witnessed
[ ] Written statement (if possible)

Timeline Worksheet

Use this format to organize events:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│           INCIDENT TIMELINE                 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                             │
│  DATE: _________________________________    │
│                                             │
│  TIME    │  WHAT HAPPENED                   │
│  ───────────────────────────────────────    │
│  ______  │  ________________________________│
│          │  ________________________________│
│  ______  │  ________________________________│
│          │  ________________________________│
│  ______  │  ________________________________│
│          │  ________________________________│
│  ______  │  ________________________________│
│          │  ________________________________│
│  ______  │  ________________________________│
│          │  ________________________________│
│                                             │
│  OFFICERS INVOLVED:                         │
│  Badge #: _________ Description: __________ │
│  Badge #: _________ Description: __________ │
│                                             │
│  WITNESSES:                                 │
│  Name: _____________ Phone: _______________│
│  Name: _____________ Phone: _______________│
│                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Preserving Evidence

Digital Evidence

Back up all photos and videos to cloud storage
Email copies to yourself and a trusted person
Save screenshots of relevant messages
Preserve metadata (don't edit original files)
Download your social media data

Physical Evidence

Keep original documents in a safe place
Make copies for your records
Photograph items before handing them over
Store securely (locked box, safe deposit box)

Chain of Custody

If evidence may be used legally:

Don't alter original items
Document who has handled each item
Note dates of any transfers
Keep receipts when giving items to attorneys

What to Do With Documentation

Immediate Actions

Store securely - Multiple copies in different locations
Share with attorney - If you have legal representation
Give to trusted family member - In case of retaliation
Submit to advocacy organizations - For pattern tracking

Filing Complaints

Use your documentation to file complaints with:

Agency	What to Include
DHS OIG	Full written statement, photos, medical records
CRCL	Detailed incident description, witness statements
Facility grievance	Internal complaint form with facts
ACLU	All documentation for pattern tracking

Legal Proceedings

Strong documentation supports:

Habeas corpus petitions
Civil rights lawsuits
Asylum claims (persecution evidence)
Bond hearings (conditions evidence)

Documentation Checklist

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│      DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST                │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                             │
│  INCIDENT DETAILS:                          │
│  □ Date and time recorded                   │
│  □ Location documented                      │
│  □ Written statement completed              │
│  □ Timeline created                         │
│                                             │
│  PEOPLE:                                    │
│  □ Officer descriptions recorded            │
│  □ Badge numbers noted                      │
│  □ Witness information collected            │
│  □ Witness statements obtained              │
│                                             │
│  EVIDENCE:                                  │
│  □ Photos taken                             │
│  □ Medical records obtained                 │
│  □ Physical evidence preserved              │
│  □ Copies made and distributed              │
│                                             │
│  ACTIONS:                                   │
│  □ Shared with attorney                     │
│  □ Filed official complaint                 │
│  □ Backed up digitally                      │
│  □ Stored in safe location                  │
│                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘