Many people hear about “ICE paperwork” but don’t realize there are multiple types of documents, each with a different purpose. Some documents are: • notices • requests • administrative paperwork • court-related filings They are not all the same, and the wording on a document matters. This page shares general, educational explanations of commonly referenced ICE documents so people can better understand: • why documents look different • why procedures can vary • why timelines are not always the same This information is informational only and meant to help reduce confusion - not to give advice for specific situations. Understanding documents at a basic level helps people stay organized and informed.

Preparedness is often misunderstood. For many people, “being prepared” sounds like taking action or planning for worst-case scenarios. In reality, preparedness in immigration contexts usually means something much simpler and calmer. Preparedness looks like: - understanding basic terms and documents - knowing which information applies to you and which does not - having trusted places to look for clarification - recognizing when rumors are driving fear - knowing when professional guidance is commonly sought Preparedness does not mean: - expecting the worst - constantly monitoring news - memorizing scripts or instructions - living in fear This community focuses on preparedness through understanding, not action. When people understand the landscape better, they tend to feel less overwhelmed and more grounded – even during uncertain moments. If you leave this group feeling calmer and clearer than when you arrived, it’s working as intended.

A lot of ICE and immigration information online increases fear instead of clarity. This usually isn’t intentional – it’s a side effect of how information spreads. Most online content fails because: - it removes context - it treats one experience as universal - it prioritizes urgency over accuracy - it mixes opinion, fear, and facts together Immigration law is complex and highly situational. Two people can experience very different processes even when their situations look similar on the surface. When that nuance is missing, fear fills the gap. This community was built to do the opposite. Here, information is: - explained slowly - framed at a high level - separated from rumors - grounded in what is generally true, not what went viral If something you read online feels overwhelming or absolute, that’s often a sign context is missing. Clarity usually sounds calmer than panic. The goal here isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to help you understand what information actually means so you can think clearly.

Many people want to help by sharing resources, but unstructured posts can get confusing fast. This post explains how to share resources in a way that’s clear, useful, and easy for others to reference later. If you’re sharing a resource, please include: - Name of the organization - State (and city, if applicable) - What they help with (general info, legal aid, referrals, support) - Phone number or official website - (Optional) why you found it helpful This helps others quickly understand whether a resource is relevant to them.

This community is stronger when people share what they’ve experienced and the resources they’ve found helpful. Real-world context helps others feel less alone and better informed. That said, how we share matters. What sharing looks like in this community We welcome: - personal experiences described at a high level - reflections on how something felt or what was confusing - general outcomes (without procedural detail) - trusted resources you’ve used or recommend - nonprofit organizations, hotlines, or official programs you’ve found helpful These types of posts help others understand the landscape without spreading fear or misinformation. What we ask you not to share To keep this space safe and useful, please do not share: - step-by-step descriptions of encounters, especially violent ones - scripts of what was said or done - advice on avoiding or interfering with ICE - tactical details or “what worked” strategies - names, addresses, case numbers, or identifying details These boundaries protect both you and the community. How to share your experience helpfully If you’d like to post about an experience, consider framing it like this: - what you expected vs what surprised you - what information you wish you had beforehand - what resources helped you understand things afterward - what myths or rumors turned out not to be true Focus on insight, not instruction. Sharing resources is especially encouraged If you’ve found: - a nonprofit organization - a legal aid clinic - a state or city hotline - an official government resource - a community organization that provides information or referrals Please feel free to share it. When possible, include: - the name of the organization - the state or city it serves - a phone number or official website This helps us build a more complete, state-by-state resource library together.