Rising Risks for Observers of Immigration Enforcement Operations
In January 2026, a shocking incident occurred in Minneapolis, where two American citizens were tragically killed while observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. Renee Nicole Good, a legal observer, was monitoring and documenting interactions between her wife and federal immigration agents. Meanwhile, Alex Pretti was filming these operations with his phone when he was fatally targeted by the very agents he was recording. While the act of documentation proved perilous, it also served as crucial evidence, capturing the events surrounding their murders and shedding light on the accountability of federal agents.
This incident highlights a growing concern for those who wish to resist ICE’s operations within American cities. As individuals navigate the fine line between activism and personal safety, the challenges of video documentation during such confrontations have become increasingly pronounced. Trevor Timm, cofounder and executive director of Freedom of the Press Foundation, stressed the inherent dangers of filming ICE activities given the agency’s aggressive and legally questionable actions. Timm pointed out that the footage captured from multiple angles allowed for immediate scrutiny of misleading narratives propagated by the Trump administration.
For over two decades, the democratization of video technology through smartphones has empowered activists to document injustices worldwide. However, in the United States, federal agents, including those from ICE and Border Patrol, have targeted individuals using cameras, often contradicting the First Amendment rights that protect such recording activities in public spaces. The current climate has intensified, with officials attempting to redefine documentation as a form of aggression.
In July, Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, raised further controversy by labeling the act of documenting federal agents as “violence,” while suggesting that it amounted to doxing. This rhetoric represents a direct threat to anyone who captures ICE operations—whether they are legal observers, journalists, or activists. Such framing, according to Jackie Zammuto, associate director of Witness, poses significant risks to those engaging in documentation, even when done lawfully.
Zammuto emphasized the dual nature of video documentation, which can expose abuses and demand accountability while simultaneously placing documenters in harm’s way. As the targeting of individuals filming these operations increases, Zammuto outlined the importance of considering personal safety when engaging in such activism. Nevertheless, she also provided key strategies to mitigate risks for those planning to film authority figures.
When preparing to record ICE or Customs and Border Protection agents, utilizing alternative or burner phones can help protect personal privacy. However, achieving complete anonymity is increasingly difficult given the extensive surveillance capabilities at the disposal of immigration enforcement agencies. Those on the ground must remain aware that ICE agents have access to various monitoring tools, including license plate readers and drone surveillance, which can track individuals engaged in documentation.
The potential for digital surveillance also poses risks if a phone is seized. Users are advised to disable biometric unlock methods, such as Face ID or fingerprint recognition, and instead rely on a secure password or PIN. Under legal guidelines, authorities require a warrant to compel a passcode from an individual, while biometric unlocks can be mandated more easily, exposing users to significant risk.
In summary, the trend of targeting documenters amidst rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement presents new challenges for citizens looking to uphold accountability. As individuals consider the implications of their actions in this environment, understanding the tactics and techniques that may underpin these operations becomes critical. By considering their safety alongside the pressing need for transparency, activists and citizens alike can navigate this complex landscape while striving for justice against federal overreach.