In the current United States immigration climate, raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are becoming more common. While it’s scary to think that ICE could stop, try to question, or even detain people close to you, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people in communities across the U.S. that want to help.
Community Rapid Response Networks have been created to connect you to organizations, attorneys, and community members who are offering their services to help in emergency situations with law enforcement.
This information is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney or accredited representative. The content was last updated February 2026. A version of this article originally appeared at ImportaMi.com.
When can I call a rapid response network?
- To report ICE activity (if you see ICE in your neighborhood or on the street).
- If ICE knocks on your door or stops you.
- If ICE detains a family member or loved one.
What kind of services do rapid response networks offer?
Hotlines
Most rapid response networks have a phone number that you can call. You can call the number to report ICE presence in your community, to tell them that ICE has stopped you and you need help, or to ask for help connecting to local legal resources.
Community observers
Community observers show up at the site of an ICE interaction or arrest. They take notes and document the interaction with the goal of helping you with your legal court case. Your attorney could find any information about the interaction useful (such as the ICE officer badge number, what they say to you, if your rights are being respected, etc.) to represent you in court as best as they can. Community observers are usually U.S. Citizens that can help collect this information for you without fear of being detained.
Legal assistance
If you are detained by ICE, many Rapid Response Networks have networks of local pro bono or low-cost attorneys. They can try to connect you with legal assistance to help you with your case.
Emotional support
Rapid response networks can connect you with trained community members that can act as accompaniment teams. Accompaniment teams are U.S. Citizens who can safely go with you to the court or to other meetings with law enforcement. They are not attorneys and they can’t give you legal advice, but they can make the experience less scary by being there with you. They can also offer support and accompaniment to your family members if you are detained.
Things to keep in mind when calling a rapid response network
- Most networks are bilingual or speak multiple languages.
- Some of the networks only have one person to answer the phone. If the phone line is busy, it probably means they are on the line with someone else. Try calling back or leave a voicemail.
Rapid Response Networks are growing, and more and more are being created. If you don’t see a Rapid Response Network near where you live, it might be worth checking with your local community center or doing an online search to double check.
New York-wide rapid response
New York State Immigration Hotline
1 (800) 566-7636
New York City rapid response
Immigrant Defense Project
(212) 725-6422
Hands Off NYC ICE Hotline
(229) 304-8720
The Legal Aid Society
(844) 955-3425
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Immigration Legal Support Hotline
1-(800) 354-0365
Rapid Response Legal Collaborative
Fill out this form to contact
Rockland County rapid response
Rockland Rapid Response Network
(845) 510-5012
Ulster County rapid response
Ulster Immigrant Defense Network
(845) 293-3423
