How to Identify ICE Vehicles and Agents in Your Neighborhood
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have become increasingly visible in communities across the United States in 2026. Whether you live in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, or a smaller city, understanding how to identify ICE vehicles and agents is an essential part of staying informed about enforcement activity in your area. This guide provides a detailed, factual overview of the vehicles, uniforms, gear, and behavioral patterns that community members have reported during ICE operations.
ICE Vehicles: What to Look For
One of the most common questions community members ask is how to identify ICE vehicles. Unlike local police departments, ICE frequently uses unmarked vehicles during enforcement operations, which can make identification more challenging. However, there are consistent patterns that have been documented across hundreds of community reports submitted to platforms like ICE Spotted.
Unmarked SUVs and Vans
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) teams most commonly use unmarked sport utility vehicles. These are typically dark-colored — black, dark blue, or dark gray — and are often large American-made models such as the Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, or Dodge Durango. These vehicles generally lack any visible police markings, light bars, or agency decals on the exterior. However, they may have government license plates, which in many states feature distinct numbering systems or lack a standard state design.
In larger operations, ICE has been reported using unmarked passenger vans, particularly the Ford Transit and Chevrolet Express. Community reports from Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago frequently mention seeing convoys of two to four such vans arriving in residential neighborhoods during early morning hours, typically between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM. These vans are used to transport individuals who have been detained during operations.
Marked Tactical Vehicles
During large-scale operations, ICE deploys vehicles with visible "POLICE" or "HSI" markings. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) tactical teams use armored vehicles and large SUVs that may display "POLICE / FEDERAL AGENT" or "POLICE / HSI" decals. These are more commonly seen during targeted enforcement actions, workplace raids, or operations conducted in coordination with other federal agencies.
Key Vehicle Indicators
Based on community reports compiled through ICE Spotted, here are the most reliable indicators that a vehicle may be associated with ICE enforcement:
- Government plates: Federal vehicles use U.S. government plates, which differ from standard state plates. They typically feature a blue or white design with "U.S. GOVERNMENT" text or a distinct numbering prefix.
- Tinted windows: ICE vehicles almost always have heavily tinted rear and side windows, darker than what is typically permitted under state regulations for civilian vehicles.
- Multiple antennas: Federal vehicles often have additional communication antennas mounted on the roof or trunk, beyond what a civilian vehicle would have.
- Interior equipment: If you can see inside, look for mounted laptops, radio equipment, or equipment cages that separate front and rear seating areas.
- Convoy patterns: ICE operations rarely involve a single vehicle. Community reports consistently describe groups of two to six vehicles arriving together and parking in formation around a target location.
Identifying ICE Agents: Uniforms and Gear
ICE agents vary significantly in their appearance depending on the type of operation and which division they belong to. Understanding these differences can help community members accurately identify and report ICE activity.
ERO Agents (Enforcement and Removal Operations)
ERO is the branch of ICE primarily responsible for arrests, detention, and deportation. ERO agents in the field typically wear tactical vests labeled "POLICE" over civilian or military-style clothing. The most consistent identifier is the tan or olive tactical vest with "POLICE" printed on the front and "ERO" or "ICE" on the back. Many ERO agents wear face coverings, balaclavas, or neck gaiters during operations, particularly in communities where they anticipate being photographed or filmed.
ERO agents carry standard law enforcement equipment including handguns, handcuffs, body cameras, and portable radios. In 2026, body camera usage has become more common across ERO operations, though policies on when cameras must be activated vary by field office. Agents typically wear a badge on their belt or vest, which displays the Department of Homeland Security seal and the ICE agency name.
HSI Agents (Homeland Security Investigations)
HSI agents conduct investigations related to cross-border criminal activity, but they also participate in enforcement operations. HSI tactical teams are more heavily equipped, wearing full body armor, helmets with HSI markings, and carrying rifles in addition to sidearms. These teams are visually similar to SWAT units and are deployed during high-risk operations.
Important: ICE agents are required to identify themselves as federal officers when asked. You have the right to ask to see identification and a warrant. If agents refuse to identify themselves or show a warrant, document this and report it.
Plainclothes Operations
ICE agents also conduct operations in plainclothes, wearing civilian clothing with concealed firearms and badges. These operations are particularly difficult to identify and are commonly reported near courthouses, schools, hospitals, and public transit stations. Plainclothes agents may wear a badge on a lanyard around their neck or clipped to their belt, visible only when they choose to display it.
Community reports from 2026 indicate that plainclothes ICE operations have increased in frequency, particularly in cities with sanctuary policies. In these operations, agents may wait in parked unmarked vehicles near a target location for extended periods before acting.
Behavioral Patterns to Watch For
Beyond vehicles and uniforms, ICE operations follow behavioral patterns that community members can learn to recognize. Understanding these patterns can help you identify potential enforcement activity before agents make contact.
Early morning timing: The majority of ICE residential operations occur between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Agents take advantage of the early hours when targets are most likely to be at home and less likely to be aware of surveillance.
Surveillance before action: Community members frequently report seeing unfamiliar vehicles parked in their neighborhood for hours or days before an enforcement action occurs. These surveillance periods allow agents to confirm a target's location and routine.
Blocking positions: When an operation begins, agents typically position vehicles to block exits from a building or street. Multiple vehicles will converge simultaneously, with agents deploying on foot from several directions.
Perimeter security: During operations, one or more agents will establish a perimeter to prevent bystanders from approaching. These agents may use hand signals or verbal commands to direct people away from the operation area.
How to Report What You See
If you observe vehicles or individuals matching the descriptions above, you can submit an anonymous report through ICE Spotted. Your report helps build a real-time picture of enforcement activity across the United States, allowing community members to stay informed about operations in their area. No personal information is collected, and all tips are anonymous.
When submitting a report, include as much detail as possible: the number of vehicles, their colors and types, the number of agents visible, any visible markings or insignia, the time of the sighting, and the approximate location. Photographs taken from a safe distance in public spaces are also valuable, as you have the constitutional right to photograph law enforcement operating in public.
ICE Activity Map: Real-Time Reports
The map below shows recent community-reported ICE activity across the United States. Red markers indicate reported sightings, checkpoints, and enforcement operations.