Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, rumors and fears have circulated about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence and mass deportations.

Posts are circulating across social media platforms, including Instagram and X, reporting ICE sightings.

But posting unconfirmed information can do more harm than good, as it can spread mass panic in already uncertain times.

There are recommendations available for bystanders from many organizations, including the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, or WAISN, on what to say and do when you see immigration officials working in your local community.

When sharing information, the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network says carefully evaluate to make sure it’s more helpful than harmful.

Spreading unconfirmed information regarding potential ICE activity can instill unnecessary fear in the local immigrant community. Government agencies are around throughout the year, so it’s important to differentiate standard activity from raids.

“Don’t be somebody that’s stoking unnecessary fear, because that can also lead people to do drastic things that may not be necessary, like go on the run or go into hiding,” said Enrique Gastelum, CEO of the Washingtonbased nonprofit Worker and Farmer Labor Association, which focuses on fair labor practices in agriculture.

Your rights

Everyone has basic guaranteed rights in the U.S., regardless of their legal status.

You have the right to record activity and interactions with immigration and law enforcement officers, so long as you do not impede them from doing their job.

If you are asked to back up, WAISN suggests taking a step back and repeating “I am exercising my right to record and document.”

If officers get too close to you, state that you have stepped back and repeat you are exercising your right to record. You want to remain calm, but speak firmly.

Record the entirety of the incident, and narrate your experience. State the date and time while recording.

If you’re going to post online, make sure your information is backed up with evidence.

Speak with a first-person witness if you can.

Take notes of what you see.

How many officers are there? What are they wearing? What cars are involved, and are they marked? What agency? Are people being questioned or detained? If you feel safe, legally you can ask an officer why they are there.

Additionally, be sure to take note of:

• Officer identification — agency, badge, numbers, uniform, name • The specific address, if possible

• Language used by the officers

• Cars — note the license plates and agency if marked

• Any physical force Any post you make should include:

• Date and time of reported activity

• Street name or specific description of the area

• Pictures or videos with timestamps

Once you begin documenting activity, WAISN recommends disabling thumbprint or facial recognition protection on your phone. Using a pass code better protects your evidence and information.

In Washington state, you can call the Deportation Defense Hotline at 1-844-724-3737 if you see potential ICE activity.

Its hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, but anyone who witnesses activity can still call during off hours.

Leave a detailed message and WAISN will prioritize your report during active hours, hotline manager Nedra Rivera said.

What not to do With all this information in mind, there are also actions you should not take as a bystander to ICE activity.

Do not run to social media to post about potential sightings.

This can cause panic in a time when accurate information is crucial.

Do not spread information you cannot confirm. When you see other posts online, check for details. Is there a specific location, more than just a city? Is there a date and time? Does the post include photo or video of specific officers, or first-person witness information? If not, see if you can confirm more details on the report before sharing the post.

Do not disclose anyone’s legal status, even if asked by ICE. You do not have to answer questions about others, and you are only required to present your own paperwork when asked by an immigration officer.

Deportation Defense Hotline Rivera told McClatchy about what you can expect when calling the hotline.

An operator taking your report will ask a series of questions. They’ll ask about your role, if you saw the activity firsthand or if you’re reporting something you saw online. It’s best if the original witness calls the hotline, so the operator can collect as much information as possible.

The operator will also ask what agency was observed and what officers were wearing, according to Rivera.

They’ll want to know how many people were detained, if any, and other details. Once those reports are processed and confirmed, relevant details may be shared on WAISN’s social media page.

Families can also call the hotline for assistance locating their family members after detention, or help navigating next steps.