Our Organization
Rapid Response for Northern Arizona is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to promoting community safety and upholding civil rights during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. As a division of Advocates for Immigrants in Prescott, we provide legal observation and support services throughout Northern Arizona, including Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Paulden, Dewey, and Mayer.
Our Mission
Our primary mission is to conduct independent observation of ICE activities to ensure that all actions are performed in accordance with federal law and constitutional standards. We are committed to transparency and accountability, acting as a neutral third-party presence to document interactions and prevent rights violations.
Legal Framework and Mandate
Our operations are legally protected under the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to observe and document the activities of government officials in public spaces. It is critical to note that while federal law prohibits the obstruction of law enforcement, the act of observing and documenting is a legally permissible and vital community service. Our volunteers are trained to perform their duties without interference, ensuring our conduct remains lawful at all times.
Volunteer Principles
Our team is composed of private citizens who have undergone rigorous training in legal observation protocols, de-escalation techniques, and civil rights law. They are bound by a strict code of conduct that emphasizes professionalism, and non-interference. The safety of our community is our highest priorities.
Our Services
We provide a range of critical services to the community before, during, and after a verified ICE enforcement action.
1. Confidential Verification Hotline
We operate a 24/7 hotline for community members to report potential ICE activity. All reports are handled with complete anonymity and confidentiality. We only require information pertaining to the time, location, and nature of the activity. No personal identifying information is requested or recorded from the reporter.
2. Independent Legal Observation
Upon verification of a report, we deploy trained volunteer observers to the scene. Their role is to document the enforcement action through video and written notes from a safe and non-intrusive distance. This documentation serves as an independent record to ensure accountability and adherence to legal protocols.
3. Post-Incident Support and Resource Navigation
In the aftermath of an enforcement action, we provide affected families and community members with vital information and support. This includes:
- Know Your Rights materials explaining fundamental constitutional protections.
- Information and contact details for legal aid organizations.
- Guidance on how to locate a detained individual within the federal detention system.