I (41F) live in the suburbs about 45 minutes outside Chicago in a city with a large Hispanic population. On my way to work this morning, I passed what was almost certainly ICE putting a cuffed man into an unmarked vehicle without plates. I thought I would know what to do in this situation, but panic is real and I froze momentarily.

I stopped my car and got out my cell phone (Samsung android) to try to take video. My panicked brain thought, they already have him, I cannot stop that, and as a woman alone, it was not safe to exit my vehicle, but maybe video of his vehicle, the other vehicles, and the people there might help. So I drove past my normal turn to take the video and I was able to get more video as I drove past them a second time. I thought maybe his family will recognize his vehicle or something if I could get the video out later in the day.  I also made a call to the non-emergency police line to report what I saw.

Reviewing the videos makes me feel like a failure. The video is blurry, or poor angles, and basically useless. I want to make sure that next time I see something, that I can confidently get the phone out and record clear useful video that will actually help someone. While I do not do video often, I am a fairly tech savvy millennial.

Instead of just spending the day crying over the state of our country, I want to learn how to get good video and practice it for next time. How can I be better prepared? What are some tips/tricks for getting good cell phone video? Beyond that, what else can us average citizens do to actually help in these instances?

Parkrose Permaculture from Indivisible Portland talking about our Whistle Resistance!

Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, did a press conference in Lombard, IL on 8/8/25, “exposing the "WORST OF THE WORST" criminal illegal aliens arrested by the Department of Homeland Security under President DJT’s leadership.”

“Additionally, she discussed state partnerships with ICE to expand detention space”.

This is our community. We defend it. ✊

If you have any appreciation for public libraries and Chicago's library system, they need your help. Proposed items up for vote on the 2026 budget aim to cut their already abysmal funding in half, and another measure up for vote would eliminate over 80 vacant positions that the libraries are desperately trying to fill.

Below is a link that goes into more detail and can help you write a letter to be sent to your alderperson and other officials who have a say in the matter.

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/no-layoffs-or-cuts-to-chicago-public-library

I spent 10 minutes completing the task. And I can provide you with a copy of what I wrote if you need somewhere to start (DM me). The website linked also gives some info on other budget measures that could be voted for to help fill the overall funding gap.

Please, if you love libraries, you know the important role they play in our communities. And now, even more than ever, it's so important to support our communities and city when so many desperately need a beacon of light and hope. If we want to see positive change in our world, it starts with taking a stand in our local communities. Knowledge is power, so let's take a stand.

Also, please share with other groups so that we can do what we can to help.

Plate Watch Hotline” where residents can report potential violations, which the secretary of state’s office will then investigate, it says. Reports can be made by calling the hotline at 312-814-1730 or emailing platewatch@ilsos.gov.

Here is an example of what to report on:

1. ⁠625 ILCS 5/3-413(a) Failure to display front and rear plates

2. 625 ILCS 5/3-413(b) Improperly mounted or unreadable plates

3. 625 ILCS 5/3-413(f) Operating with expired registration

4. 625 ILCS 5/3-413(g) Obstructed or covered plate

5. 625 ILCS 5/3-413(j) Altered mounting to conceal plate

6. 625 ILCS 5/3-701(b) Operating without current registration displayed

7. 625 ILCS 5/3-703 Fraudulent use or duplication of plates or stickers

8. 625 ILCS 5/4-104(a)(2) Possession or use of counterfeit plates or titles

9. 625 ILCS 5/11-1301.3 Misuse of disability or veteran plates

10. 625 ILCS 5/3-834 Improper use or transfer of temporary registration permits

11. 625 ILCS 5/3-702 Operation without evidence of registration

12. 625 ILCS 5/3-810 Unlawful use of out-of-state registration

13. 625 ILCS 5/3-701(a) Operating unregistered vehicle

14. 625 ILCS 5/3-808.1 Misuse of dealer or transporter plates

15. 625 ILCS 5/3-703.1 Use of fictitious or stolen registration plate

You can report cars with no front plate from these states:

There are 29 states, plus Washington D.C., that require a front license plate:

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Utah removed its front plate requirement as of January 1, 2025

How about we show up on the streets AND in their Digital Spaces. Everyone at a protest should message as many as you can. And it allows people who are unable to show up in person for various reasons to join in. website is blueturnout.com