Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
Section titled “Risk Assessment”Understanding and managing risk is essential for effective rapid response while keeping everyone safe.
Risk Framework
Section titled “Risk Framework”The Three Levels
Section titled “The Three Levels”We use a color-coded system to quickly communicate risk levels:
🟢 Green - Low Risk
Section titled “🟢 Green - Low Risk”Situation: Surveillance only, no active enforcement
- Single vehicle or small presence
- No agents approaching people
- Observing, not acting
Response:
- Normal patrol monitoring
- Standard reporting
- Continue observation
- Stay alert for escalation
🟡 Yellow - Medium Risk
Section titled “🟡 Yellow - Medium Risk”Situation: Increased activity, potential enforcement
- Multiple vehicles or agents
- Agents outside vehicles
- Focused on specific location
- Possible preparation for action
Response:
- Heightened alertness
- Increase documentation
- Alert network
- Prepare for escalation
- Verify before broadcasting widely
🔴 Red - High Risk
Section titled “🔴 Red - High Risk”Situation: Active enforcement in progress
- Agents approaching/detaining individuals
- Active arrest or raid
- Urgent and immediate
Response:
- Full network alert
- Document everything
- Deploy all available resources
- Contact legal support
- Family notification protocols
Assessing Risk
Section titled “Assessing Risk”What to Consider
Section titled “What to Consider”Agent factors:
- How many agents?
- How are they equipped?
- What is their body language?
- Are they moving toward people?
Environmental factors:
- Time of day
- Location type (residential, commercial)
- Crowd presence
- Weather (affects visibility, behavior)
Historical factors:
- Has ICE operated here before?
- Pattern of recent activity
- Known enforcement priorities
Community factors:
- Who lives/works here?
- Vulnerability of community members
- Available support resources
Risk Indicators
Section titled “Risk Indicators”Escalation signs:
- More agents arriving
- Agents putting on gear
- Movement toward individuals
- Raised voices
- Physical contact
De-escalation signs:
- Agents returning to vehicles
- Vehicles starting engines
- Agents appearing to wrap up
- Departure of some units
Personal Risk Assessment
Section titled “Personal Risk Assessment”Know Your Own Risk
Section titled “Know Your Own Risk”Higher personal risk if:
- You have immigration concerns
- You have outstanding warrants
- You’re on probation/parole
- You have medical conditions
- You’re emotionally triggered by this work
Lower personal risk if:
- You’re a citizen
- You have no legal complications
- You’re physically and emotionally ready
- You have support systems
Match Risk to Role
Section titled “Match Risk to Role”Not everyone should do everything:
| Role | Appropriate Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Broadcast monitor | Can be higher risk personally |
| Patrol | Medium personal risk okay |
| Verifier | Should be lower personal risk |
| Field responder | Should be lowest personal risk |
It’s Okay to Opt Out
Section titled “It’s Okay to Opt Out”- Your safety comes first
- Know your limits
- Tap out when needed
- No shame in stepping back
Team Risk Management
Section titled “Team Risk Management”Before Deployment
Section titled “Before Deployment”- Assess who’s available
- Match people to appropriate roles
- Communicate risk level clearly
- Ensure everyone knows protocols
During Operations
Section titled “During Operations”- Monitor risk continuously
- Communicate changes immediately
- Be ready to pull people back
- Admin has authority to call off
After High-Risk Events
Section titled “After High-Risk Events”- Debrief together
- Check on everyone
- Assess what worked
- Learn for next time
Location Risk Factors
Section titled “Location Risk Factors”Higher Risk Locations
Section titled “Higher Risk Locations”- Private property (limited rights)
- Areas with no escape routes
- Isolated locations
- Areas with poor phone reception
- Locations far from support
Lower Risk Locations
Section titled “Lower Risk Locations”- Public spaces
- Areas with multiple exits
- Well-lit areas
- Locations with witnesses
- Near support resources
Know Your Area
Section titled “Know Your Area”Map high-risk locations:
- Where does ICE typically operate?
- What areas have few exits?
- Where is phone reception poor?
- What locations should we avoid?
Decision Making Under Risk
Section titled “Decision Making Under Risk”The 80% Rule
Section titled “The 80% Rule”If you’re 80% sure it’s time to leave, leave.
Don’t wait for 100% certainty. Trust your judgment.
Risk vs. Reward
Section titled “Risk vs. Reward”Ask yourself:
- What do we gain by staying?
- What do we risk by staying?
- Is the potential gain worth the potential risk?
- Can we accomplish our goal another way?
When in Doubt
Section titled “When in Doubt”- Default to safety
- Consult with admin
- Trust your instincts
- Leave and reassess
Risk Mitigation
Section titled “Risk Mitigation”Reduce Risk By
Section titled “Reduce Risk By”Preparation:
- Know the area
- Have exit plans
- Communicate constantly
- Work in teams
Behavior:
- Maintain distance
- Stay in public spaces
- Don’t engage directly
- Follow protocols
Equipment:
- Charged phone
- Working documentation tools
- Communication channels ready
- Go-bag prepared
Support:
- Tell someone where you are
- Regular check-ins
- Backup available
- Legal resources on standby
Risk Communication
Section titled “Risk Communication”Within the Network
Section titled “Within the Network”Use standard language:
- “Risk level green” - low, routine
- “Risk level yellow” - elevated, be alert
- “Risk level red” - high, immediate concern
In Broadcasts
Section titled “In Broadcasts”Low risk (green):
“Patrol has reported [activity]. Monitoring the situation.”
Medium risk (yellow):
“Alert: ICE activity at [location]. Elevated activity. Avoid area if possible.”
High risk (red):
”🚨 URGENT: Active ICE enforcement at [location]. Avoid area. Stay indoors if nearby.”
Scenario Practice
Section titled “Scenario Practice”Scenario 1: Green to Yellow
Section titled “Scenario 1: Green to Yellow”You’re patrolling and see a single unmarked vehicle that’s been parked for 20 minutes.
Assessment: Currently green. Could be nothing, could be surveillance.
Action: Report it, continue monitoring, watch for changes.
A second vehicle arrives and two agents exit.
Assessment: Now yellow. Increased activity.
Action: Alert admin, increase documentation, prepare for possible escalation.
Scenario 2: Yellow to Red
Section titled “Scenario 2: Yellow to Red”Multiple agents are outside their vehicles near an apartment building. They’re standing, talking, not approaching anyone.
Assessment: Yellow. Concerning but not yet active enforcement.
Agents start walking toward the building entrance. One is carrying papers.
Assessment: Now red. Active enforcement likely.
Action: Full alert, document everything, contact legal support, prepare family notification.
Scenario 3: Red to Leave
Section titled “Scenario 3: Red to Leave”Active detention is occurring. You’re documenting from across the street. An agent notices you and starts walking toward you.
Assessment: Red for the situation, now personal risk increasing.
Action: Leave via planned exit. Notify admin. Safety first.
Quick Reference
Section titled “Quick Reference”| Color | Meaning | Response |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 | Surveillance only | Monitor, report |
| 🟡 | Increased activity | Alert, document, prepare |
| 🔴 | Active enforcement | Full response, document, legal |
Remember:
- When in doubt, go to higher alert
- Personal safety always comes first
- Trust your instincts
- Better to over-prepare than under-prepare