Whistle Resistance

Whistle brigades directly protect your neighbors by letting vulnerable people know ICE is nearby, and by calling observers to active ICE detentions. Familiarize yourself with how it works and then spread the word through whistle-packs, trainings, or rapid response groups.

INCLUDES YELLOW ACTIONS

How to do it:

The basic idea is simple: outfit people with whistles and teach them two patterns: blow the whistle in short bursts if you see ICE. Blow continuously if ICE is detaining someone. Vulnerable people can get to safety when they hear whistles. Others move towards the whistles and “Form a crowd, stay loud.”

Because ICE has targeted observers for detention and violence, any interaction with them is a YELLOW action, but you can support this effort even if you never blow a whistle. The key to this action is widespread awareness, and whistle distribution.

Here is an example of ICE dropping illegal harassment after a single person begins to whistle.

Spread the word:

Print flyers to post wherever you can. (Here is a Canva template to adapt to your region)
Share social media posts, news stories, or this page
Create whistle packs and leave them in Little Libraries or other public spaces

Make whistle packs:

Print Zines in English and Spanish
Instructions for how to fold a ‘zine
Get biodegradable cellophane bags at least 3″x5″ in size. Support a local cake or candy supply store, or order online. e.g. Nashville Wraps
Buy whistles in bulk at local sporting, workwear or office supply stores, or buy online. e.g. SOS Products or Staples
Or 3D PRINT whistles for as little as $0.05/ea
Distribute the packs at trainings, friendly businesses, Little Libraries, etc.

The brilliance in this action is its simplicity. Throw a party to fold ‘zines and package with whistles, and you’re ready! Spread the word to build our power. There is safety in crowds.

More anti-ICE options

Encourage businesses to post no-ICE signs on private areas
Offer transportation: collect materials or distribute whistle-packs
wear a whistle and talk about what it’s for. Carry zines or business cards with you.
Throw a whistle-packing party, or contribute resources like 3D printed whistles to one.
Links to other de-ICEing actions in Washington and Oregon
Find the immigrant rights group organizing in your area, and store their number in your phone. Learn how to report ICE sightings to them. Washington, Oregon
Learn to video tape ICE actions effectively

Local Resources : a running list of regional options

WA Whistle Warriors is organizing in Washington. They run weekly trainings in Seattle where 3D printed whistles can also be dropped off. Join their Signal chat and connect with people organizing in other areas of Washington.
Oregon Whistle Organizing: Migra Whistle and Oregon resistance clearinghouse : Oregon For All
In Chicago, connect with the Pilsen Art Collective who created the materials most groups pattern after
NOTE : if you are in a different area and want to get started, contact any of these groups. Organizers are sharing and spreading knowledge.

For other de-ICEing actions, from how to film a detention effectively to organizing business resistance, see our ICE Block resource page.