Rapid Response for Northern Arizona is a volunteer-led initiative operating under Advocates for Immigrants in Prescott. We are dedicated to ensuring the constitutional rights of all individuals are respected during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in our communities. We serve 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.

Confidential & Anonymous Reporting

We provide a secure and confidential hotline for community members to report ICE activity. All information is handled with the utmost discretion. Reporters are never asked for personal identification and are only requested to provide the time, location, and nature of the activity via voicemail or text message.

Legal Standing

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.

Our Role as Legal Observers

Upon verifying a report, we dispatch trained, non-confrontational volunteers to serve as legal observers. Their role is strictly to document the events from a public distance, ensuring that ICE agents operate within the bounds of the law. Our mission is to promote accountability and transparency, not to interfere with law enforcement duties.

Community and Family Support

We extend support to families and community members impacted by enforcement actions by providing vital "Know Your Rights" information and connecting them with resources to help locate detained loved ones. For a full list of our services, please visit our Services page.