ICE Check-In Coverage: Volunteer Quick Guide
Everything you need to know for your shift at the ICE facility.
Before You Leave Home
What to Bring
- Charged phone
- Water and snack
- Comfortable shoes (you'll be standing)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Rain protection: umbrella, jacket
- This quick guide
- Printed materials (if you have them — if not, the previous volunteer will hand them off)
Printed Materials
| Document | Copies | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tracker Log | 2 | Log arrivals and departures |
| Check-In Sheet | 10 | Collect info from families (optional) |
If you can't print, don't stress. The previous volunteer will have materials.
Getting There
Parking
Park anywhere outside of the circle in front of the facility. We leave that space open for families who are waiting for their loved ones to come back out.
Where to Stand
- Stand on the public sidewalk across from the facility entrance
- Stay 20-30 feet away from the entrance doors
- Do NOT stand in the parking lot, driveway, or on facility property
- If there's a fence or barrier, stay on the public side
Look For
- Previous volunteer holding a clipboard
- Other community members with flyers
If You Can't Find Anyone
Text WCU immediately: 209-842-3232
Arrival & Handoff
Timing: 15 Minutes EarlyWhen you arrive 15 minutes before your shift:
- 1
Find the previous volunteer (look for clipboard)
- 2
Get briefed:
- • Any incidents or unusual activity?
- • Anyone currently inside?
- • Any updates from WCU?
- 3
Receive materials: Clipboard with tracker log
- 4
Confirm your position and begin observing
During Your Shift
You are an OBSERVER and SUPPORTER. You are not security, not legal counsel, not ICE.
What You DO
| Action | How |
|---|---|
| Log arrivals | Note time, description (no names unless offered), who they're with |
| Log departures | Note time, same person? How long were they inside? |
| Be a calm presence | Smile, nod, don't pressure anyone |
| Call for help if needed | See Emergency Protocol below |
What You DON'T Do
| Don't | Why |
|---|---|
| Interfere with ICE | You could be arrested; it doesn't help |
| Give legal advice | You're not a lawyer; say "I'm not a lawyer, but here's a resource" |
| Block doors, driveways, vehicles | Stay on public sidewalk |
| Photograph families or license plates | Protects their privacy and safety |
| Share logs on social media | Logs are confidential |
| Answer questions about anyone's immigration status | You don't have to; they can't make you |
If Someone Is Detained
Priority: CriticalDon't panic. Follow these steps:
- 1
Note the time on your tracker log
- 2
Note description of the person (clothing, approximate age, who they were with)
- 3
Ask family/friends (if present): Do they have a lawyer? Do they have an emergency contact? Do they want us to call someone?
- 4
Call the VWN Hotline: (559) 206-0151
- 5
Text WCU: 209-842-3232 with details
- 6
Stay calm and continue observing
- 7
Offer the Emergency Resource Guide to family members
Safety Reminders
If ICE or Security Approaches You
- Stay calm and polite
- You are allowed to observe from public property
- You do NOT have to answer questions about your own or anyone else's immigration status
- If asked to move, step back to the public sidewalk
- If threatened, do not argue — step back
If You Feel Unsafe
- Trust your instincts
- Step back from the area
- Call WCU immediately: 209-842-3232
- You can leave if you need to
Your safety comes first.
Recording Video
If you choose to record:
- Focus on ICE agents and the building
- Do NOT record families' faces or license plates
- Keep your phone secure
- Do not livestream
End of Shift & Handoff
Standard Handoff
15 minutes before your shift ends:
- 1
Look for the next volunteer
- 2
Brief them: Any incidents? Anyone currently inside? Any updates?
- 3
Hand off: Clipboard with tracker log
- 4
Thank them and head out
If No One Shows Up
Text WCU immediately: 209-842-3232. Do NOT leave the location unattended if possible. We will find coverage.
If You Have the Last Shift of the Day (ends at 5pm)
Take all completed logs to the WCU mail slot. Look for a WCU flyer taped to the door.
Get Directions to WCU Mail SlotKey Contacts
| Who | Number | When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| WCU | 209-842-3232 | Any questions, running late, safety concerns, no-show volunteer |
| VWN Hotline | 559-206-0151 | Someone is detained |
| Emergency | 911 | Medical emergency, immediate physical danger |
Quick Responses
If Asked "Are You With ICE?"
"No, we are community volunteers. We're here to support families."
If Asked to Leave by Security
"I understand. I'm standing on the public sidewalk, but I'll step back."
Reminders
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- You are an observer, not a lawyer or security
- Stay on public property
- Log everything
- Call WCU if anything feels wrong: 209-842-3232
- Your presence matters
Thank you for standing with immigrant workers in San Joaquin County.