Vehicle Research
Vehicle Research
Section titled “Vehicle Research”Guidance on identifying, documenting, and researching vehicles associated with immigration enforcement and other agencies.
Common ICE Vehicle Types
Section titled “Common ICE Vehicle Types”Marked Vehicles
Section titled “Marked Vehicles”| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | SUV with DHS/ICE markings |
| Dodge Charger | Sedan, often marked |
| Ford F-150 | Pickup truck |
| Transport Vans | White vans with federal markings |
Unmarked Vehicles
Section titled “Unmarked Vehicles”Many enforcement operations use unmarked vehicles:
- Rental vehicles - Common makes: Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet
- Seized vehicles - May have regular plates
- Plain sedans/SUVs - Government-owned but unmarked
Identifying Features
Section titled “Identifying Features”Even unmarked vehicles often have:
- Multiple antennas
- Push bars/bull bars
- Tinted windows
- Exempt license plates
- Government “E” or “G” plates
- Fleet vehicle stickers
License Plate Research
Section titled “License Plate Research”Plate Types to Know
Section titled “Plate Types to Know”| Type | Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Government | ”G” prefix or “USG” | Federal vehicle |
| Exempt | ”EXEMPT” or no numbers | Government/emergency |
| Fleet | Sequential numbers | Rental or fleet vehicle |
| Diplomatic | ”D” or special format | Embassy vehicles |
State-Specific Formats
Section titled “State-Specific Formats”License plate formats vary by state. Document:
- State of issuance
- Plate color and design
- Any special markings
- Full plate number if visible
What You Can Learn
Section titled “What You Can Learn”- State - Where vehicle is registered
- Type - Government, commercial, personal
- Fleet status - Rental companies have patterns
- Age - Some states include year indicators
Documenting Vehicles
Section titled “Documenting Vehicles”Essential Information to Capture
Section titled “Essential Information to Capture”Vehicle Details:
- Make (Ford, Chevrolet, etc.)
- Model (Explorer, Charger, etc.)
- Color
- Year (approximate)
- Body type (SUV, sedan, van)
Identifying Features:
- License plate (full number if possible)
- Plate state
- Any markings or decals
- Damage or distinguishing marks
- Number of antennas
- Aftermarket equipment
Context:
- Location (address)
- Date and time
- Direction of travel
- Number of occupants visible
- Activity observed
Photography Tips
Section titled “Photography Tips”Do:
- ✅ Get the whole vehicle in frame
- ✅ Capture license plate clearly
- ✅ Include landmarks for location context
- ✅ Take multiple angles if safe
- ✅ Note the time in your photos (use timestamp)
Don’t:
- ❌ Approach the vehicle
- ❌ Obstruct traffic for photos
- ❌ Put yourself at risk
- ❌ Confront occupants
Research Techniques
Section titled “Research Techniques”Reverse Image Search for Vehicles
Section titled “Reverse Image Search for Vehicles”- Crop photo to focus on vehicle
- Upload to multiple reverse image engines:
- Google Images
- Yandex (often better for vehicles)
- TinEye
- Look for:
- Same vehicle in other locations
- Fleet vehicle matches
- News articles featuring the vehicle
VIN Research
Section titled “VIN Research”If you can see a VIN (visible through windshield):
- Use NHTSA VIN Decoder: nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder
- Reveals: Make, model, year, manufacturing plant
Fleet Research
Section titled “Fleet Research”Rental fleets often have:
- Barcode stickers on windows
- Fleet numbers on rear bumper
- Standard equipment packages
Government fleets:
- GSA (General Services Administration) manages federal vehicles
- Often have specific plate formats
- May have asset tags visible
Pattern Analysis
Section titled “Pattern Analysis”What Patterns to Track
Section titled “What Patterns to Track”Time patterns:
- What times are vehicles most often seen?
- Are there regular patrol times?
- Morning vs. evening activity?
Location patterns:
- Which areas are most frequently visited?
- Are certain streets or intersections common?
- Proximity to ICE facilities, courts, jails?
Vehicle patterns:
- Are the same vehicles seen repeatedly?
- Do certain vehicles work together?
- Vehicle types used for different activities?
Creating a Vehicle Log
Section titled “Creating a Vehicle Log”| Date | Time | Location | Vehicle | Plate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/15 | 0730 | 123 Main St | Black Ford Explorer | ABC-1234 | 2 occupants |
| 1/15 | 0745 | 456 Oak Ave | Same vehicle | ABC-1234 | Parked |
Track patterns over time to identify:
- Regular routes
- Surveillance activity
- Operational patterns
Known ICE Facilities
Section titled “Known ICE Facilities”Research vehicles seen near known facilities:
- ICE field offices
- Detention centers
- Immigration courts
- Local jails with 287(g) agreements
Vehicles frequently seen at these locations may be involved in enforcement operations.
Verification Checklist
Section titled “Verification Checklist”Before reporting a vehicle sighting:
- Is the vehicle type consistent with enforcement vehicles?
- Are there identifying features (antennas, plates, markings)?
- Does the behavior match enforcement activity?
- Have you documented all observable details?
- Can the location be verified?
- Is there corroborating information?
What NOT to Do
Section titled “What NOT to Do”- ❌ Don’t follow vehicles - This is dangerous and potentially illegal
- ❌ Don’t confront occupants - Document from a safe distance
- ❌ Don’t assume - Verify before sharing
- ❌ Don’t access private databases - Use only public information
- ❌ Don’t share unverified information - Could cause panic
Resources
Section titled “Resources”Vehicle Identification
Section titled “Vehicle Identification”- NHTSA VIN Decoder
- CarFax (paid)
Fleet Information
Section titled “Fleet Information”- GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales (shows what government buys)
- State contract vehicle listings
Reporting Templates
Section titled “Reporting Templates”Use the SALUTE Reporting format to structure vehicle sighting reports.