Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been spotted at various locations across the US, prompting a surge in online efforts to track their movements and alert fellow undocumented immigrants.
The trend began on social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Facebook, where users share alleged sightings of ICE agents and vehicles. While some reports turn out to be false, others prove accurate, helping individuals avoid encounters with law enforcement.
The Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration has fueled the online tracking efforts, with activists and advocates using social media to counter the perceived aggression. However, critics argue that the strategy is spreading fear and confusion among immigrant communities.
“It’s like a digital game of cat and mouse,” said Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigrant Coalition. “We need to ensure that people are sharing credible information, not fueling misinformation.”
Despite concerns, many undocumented individuals rely on social media platforms to stay informed about ICE activity and avoid potential run-ins with law enforcement.
“I get my news from TikTok, so if I learn something about ICE, I’m going to share it there,” said Sheidriany Pomales, a 20-year-old kindergarten teacher who immigrated to the US in 2014.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/03/30