I’m all ranted out for the moment, except to say, there’s a reason ICE has been sighted in STL but not so much in suburbs like WG.  Just in case, here is a copy of your rights in an encounter with ICE.  No guarantees, because rights are meaningless to mindless terrorists, but the burden of proof will be on them.

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What to Do if You Encounter ICE in Your Community

1. Do NOT interfere. You can observe and document from a safe distance.

Credible rights guides emphasize:

– You have the right to observe and film ICE in public as long as you don’t interfere.

– Stay far enough away that agents cannot claim obstruction.

– If you’re unsure whether the people are ICE, call 911 and report suspicious activity. Describe what you see, not what you assume.

2. If YOU are stopped by ICE

These steps align with national Know‑Your‑Rights guidance:

– Stay calm. Turn off the car. Keep your hands visible. Say clearly: “I am a U.S. citizen. Am I free to go?”

If they say yes:

– Turn the car back on.

– Drive away slowly and calmly.

Passengers:

– Do not speak.

– They have no obligation to show ICE any ID.

Driver:

– You must show a driver’s license to police, not ICE.

– If ICE demands it, say:

“I will show my license to local police. Please call them.”

Never consent to a search.

Say: “I do not consent to a search.”

Repeat it calmly if needed – rights guides emphasize this exact language.

Do not fight or escalate. Compliance for safety + verbal non‑consent protects you later.

3. If ICE is in a parking lot, workplace, or public area:

– You can film from a safe distance.

– You can alert others – whether that’s a whistle, a text chain, or a community signal.

– You cannot physically intervene.

A whistle is the best choice – they’re loud & a non‑escalatory alert system.

4. Should you film with a phone or a small camera?

Many organizers recommend a separate small camera because:

– Phones can be seized or searched more easily.

– A dedicated camera keeps your phone free for calling 911 or livestreaming.

– Cameras often have better zoom, letting you stay farther away.

5. What documents should YOU carry?

Rights guides do not require U.S. citizens to carry proof of citizenship. With that said, you may choose to carry:

– Passport or passport card (strongest proof)

– REAL ID (not proof of citizenship, but accepted ID)

– Tribal ID (ICE has a history of wrongly rejecting them – filming and witnesses matter)

– Birth certificate (not ideal to carry daily, but some people keep a copy in their glove box)

You do not have to hand over any of these unless you choose to.

6. The real questions you’re asking your community to do:

– Will you film?

– Will you alert others?

– Will you stay calm and assert your rights?

– Will you prepare now instead of panicking later?

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And now back to “Waggish Dogs”.  I’m carless today, so we’ll see if I get up the nerve to make the trek.  The HiberMeter is leaning toward “meh”.