Five small ways to fight ICE and revive equality

Image via Associated Press / Robert F. Bukaty

The United States of America was founded under the principle of freedom and justice for all. For nearly 250 years, to be an American was to believe in the pursuit of personal liberty. We should not advertise ourselves as a free nation when our government is working diligently to oppress people who seek freedom. When we think of a proud American, we should think of a peacemaker, not an oppressor. In our current reality, this is not the case. Even so, that does not mean we should stop fighting for the freedom that we deserve. We are a democratic nation, and we can win back our democracy. 

If you keep up with the news, you are likely familiar with the terrorism that our own government is inflicting upon its people. ICE raids, a long time occurrence in the modern U.S., have grown increasingly pervasive in residential areas—notably Eagle Rock. Throughout the nation, protests to stop ICE are being aggressively and systematically oppressed. For this reason, protesting ICE—be it through black out, walk out, or otherwise—is not sustainable for everybody. 

An inability to directly fight ICE should not be a source of shame, as confronting the U.S. government is a reasonably intimidating feat. However, if you do feel as though you would like to be involved in some small way, you are not alone. In this article, you will find five things that you can do to fight ICE in a matter that is safe, sustainable, and impactful.

1. Shop local

On January 30, 2026, much of Los Angeles participated in a coordinated boycott against ICE. This involved staying home from work or school, as well as refraining from shopping or selling goods. This kind of boycotting was dubbed a “black out,” as it aimed to reduce economic gain in order to put pressure on the administration. By minimizing labor and cash flow, the government would be forced to recognize that its people would no longer be complicit in an oppressive system. However, many people—citizens, immigrants, students, what have you—cannot sustainably participate in a complete shut down. 

To support themselves, people need to work and purchase goods. This need cannot necessarily be put on hold in every household, and if this is the case for you, then that is completely fair. The good news is, you can still help! Many local businesses are owned by immigrants or supported by ethical vendors. Shopping locally will not only provide you with what materials you may need, but can also economically support people who—like yourself—cannot engage in a complete black out. Furthermore, supporting small businesses will fund individuals that—unlike most large corporations—are not complicit with our government’s current behavior. 

2. Stop using AI

There are many reasons why you should stop using AI, and one of which is to reduce the scope of ICE surveillance. If you are on social media, then you are likely familiar with the presence of AI tools and chat bots. Many of these softwares, though seemingly harmless, are used by ICE as a surveillance tool for identifying their potential targets. Furthermore, the use of certain AI softwares directly funds ICE. For example, they have major contracts with Palantir Technologies, Clearview AI, and Fivecast. ICE uses these softwares to sort through user information from social media, driver’s licenses, and in some cases phone data. Even if you do not use these specific AI softwares, it is good practice—especially if you want to do something small to fight ICE—to abandon use of any AI as much as possible. Even if it seems harmless, it can probe your activity in a way that may negatively impact you or someone close to you later down the line. 

3. Make art

This one may seem a bit out there, but creating art that attacks ICE can be incredibly impactful in helping the cause. As you are likely aware, propaganda has been used throughout history to rally people under varying causes, be them political or not. Though propaganda is negatively connotated, it is a strong example of how powerful an artist’s voice can be. Even if you yourself cannot engage in active campaigns against ICE, you can make a sign or poster that someone else can use. This way, your voice can be heard without you actually having to be physically present. Alternatively, you can post your art on social media to help spread awareness about ICE raids, upcoming protests, or to support local vendors. If you happen to be an artist, your talents are of great value to the cause! 

4. Know your rights

Whether you formally interact with them or not, knowing your rights is an excellent way to combat ICE. By keeping people ignorant, our government—ICE included—is able to better use us for their cause. If you remain informed, you will be able to pursue media that is accurate, ethical, and educated. ICE has significantly less power if its targets know what they can or cannot do. By knowing your rights, you will be much safer from inadvertent searches or detentions, and—if you know someone who is at risk for detention—you can support them in becoming better informed. This way, should a friend or family member need assistance, you can provide them with accurate advice without having to become directly engaged. 

5. Spread the word 

This one goes without saying, but if you have social media, spreading the word about ICE raids, protests, or activist movements is an impactful way to get involved from the sidelines. For safety reasons, many people do not feel comfortable reposting anything that is blatantly anti-ICE. This being the case, there are still ways that you can use your voice to inadvertently support the cause. Helping promote local businesses or immigrant vendors—be it through social media or otherwise—can encourage people to move away from big brands that indirectly fund or support ICE. In addition, if you do feel comfortable asserting your stance on ICE, you can help advertise movements that may need funding from the general public. This way, if you are not in the place to make a donation, you can spread the word to someone who is. 

In this trying time, we need to remember F.I.R.E: to Fight Ice and Revive Equality. If you cannot do this from the frontlines, there are other ways to support the cause. Anything, even a small gesture, is better than doing nothing. Right now, our freedom and democracy is on trial. But, with sufficient help from the people, this trial is not one that we will lose. Small as it may be, if you value justice, do your part.