SALUTE Reporting
SALUTE Reporting Method
Section titled “SALUTE Reporting Method”SALUTE is a standardized reporting format that ensures all critical information is captured and communicated clearly. Use this method for all ICE activity reports.
The SALUTE Acronym
Section titled “The SALUTE Acronym”| Letter | Meaning | What to Report |
|---|---|---|
| S | Size/Strength | Number of agents and vehicles |
| A | Activity | What they are doing |
| L | Location | Exact address or intersection |
| U | Uniform | What text/markings are on clothing/vests/vehicles |
| T | Time | Date and precise time of observation |
| E | Equipment | Weapons, vehicles, gear they have |
SALUTE Example
Section titled “SALUTE Example”S - 5 to 6 armed agents
A - Waiting outside of a marked Homeland Security van
L - At the corner of Central & Main streets, east side of the street
U - Wearing vests that say POLICE ICE on the back
T - January 21st at 12:05 PM
E - They have body armor and pepper spray
Detailed Guidance for Each Element
Section titled “Detailed Guidance for Each Element”S - Size/Strength
Section titled “S - Size/Strength”Report:
- Number of agents visible
- Number of vehicles
- Whether more might be unseen (e.g., “at least 4 agents, possibly more inside”)
Examples:
- “4 agents”
- “2 vehicles with 2 agents each”
- “6+ agents, multiple vehicles”
A - Activity/Actions
Section titled “A - Activity/Actions”Report what they are currently doing:
- Surveilling (watching/waiting)
- Approaching a residence or vehicle
- Questioning someone
- Detaining someone
- Loading someone into a vehicle
- Setting up a checkpoint
Examples:
- “Waiting in parked vehicle observing the apartment building”
- “Two agents at front door, one at back”
- “Actively detaining a male individual”
L - Location
Section titled “L - Location”Be as specific as possible:
- Exact street address if visible
- Cross streets and which corner
- Landmarks
- Direction of travel if moving
Examples:
- “1234 Main Street”
- “Corner of Main and First, northeast corner, in front of the bodega”
- “Heading north on Central from Main”
U - Uniform/Unit
Section titled “U - Uniform/Unit”Report everything visible on clothing and vehicles:
- Text on vests (POLICE, ICE, HSI, FBI, etc.)
- Vehicle markings or lack thereof
- Any badges or patches visible
- Colors of uniforms
Examples:
- “Vests say POLICE ICE on back”
- “Plain clothes with visible badges on belts”
- “Unmarked black SUV, no visible agency markings”
- “Green Border Patrol uniforms”
T - Time
Section titled “T - Time”Report:
- Current date
- Exact time (to the minute if possible)
- How long they’ve been there if known
Examples:
- “January 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM”
- “Right now, 3:15 PM”
- “They arrived approximately 20 minutes ago”
E - Equipment
Section titled “E - Equipment”Report:
- Weapons visible (handguns, rifles, tasers)
- Protective gear (body armor, helmets)
- Restraints (handcuffs, zip ties)
- Vehicle types
- Any special equipment (battering rams, dogs, drones)
Examples:
- “Handguns holstered, no long guns visible”
- “Full tactical gear including rifles”
- “One transport van, two SUVs”
- “I saw a dog in one of the vehicles”
Full SALUTE Report Template
Section titled “Full SALUTE Report Template”Copy and fill in:
SALUTE REPORT - [UNCONFIRMED/VERIFIED]
S (Size):A (Activity):L (Location):U (Uniform):T (Time):E (Equipment):
Additional notes:Tips for Accurate Reporting
Section titled “Tips for Accurate Reporting”- Report what you actually see, not what you assume
- Use specific numbers when possible (“4 agents” not “some agents”)
- Note when you’re uncertain (“appeared to be…” or “couldn’t confirm…”)
- Update your report if the situation changes
- Guess at numbers - say “at least X” if uncertain
- Report what you heard secondhand in the same way as what you saw
- Wait to gather perfect information if immediate danger exists
- Forget to include time - this is critical for coordination
Speed vs. Accuracy
Section titled “Speed vs. Accuracy”In an emergency, prioritize getting any information out quickly, then follow up with details:
Immediate (within seconds):
“ICE at Main & First. More coming.”
Quick follow-up (within 1-2 minutes):
“4 agents, 2 SUVs. One person being questioned. 2:30 PM.”
Full SALUTE (when able):
[Complete report with all details]
Why SALUTE Matters
Section titled “Why SALUTE Matters”Standardized reporting:
- Ensures nothing critical is missed
- Allows quick scanning by admins
- Helps verifiers know what to look for
- Creates useful records for legal advocates
- Enables pattern analysis across multiple reports
Practice Exercise
Section titled “Practice Exercise”Look out your window right now and practice a SALUTE report of any vehicle you see. Even “boring” practice helps you report quickly under pressure.