People Over Papers is a crowdsourced website and app that allows individuals to report real-time ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity. Within the first few months of its launch, the platform gained millions of users seeking to share sightings of ICE vans, raids near workplaces, shopping centers and other public spaces, particularly in high-traffic areas like Los Angeles County.
Reports are submitted anonymously, often including photos, videos or geolocation data. Moderators review submissions before publishing them on a live map, flagging reports with levels of verification to help users interpret accuracy. The platform was initially hosted on Padlet but later migrated to its own domain after Padlet removed the original boards. Community members continue to rely on the tool as part of broader grassroots networks for legal resources and rapid response.
Its emergence reflects the evolving digital culture around civic reporting and community defense, highlighting both the power and challenges of crowdsourced information in sensitive contexts. Accuracy varies depending on user verification, but the platform’s visibility has contributed to discussions on immigrant rights, safety, and online collective intelligence.
How the Platform Works
Users report suspected ICE activity through the web interface or mobile tools. Reports include:
- Vehicle type and license plate
- Location and timestamp
- Photos or videos when possible
- Optional textual descriptions
Moderators evaluate submissions using metadata checks, reverse image searches, and cross-referencing with trusted community partners. Reports without corroboration are flagged as unverified, reminding users to exercise caution.
Example Moderation Criteria
| Verification Level | Description | Example |
| Confirmed | Corroborated by multiple submissions or partner organizations | Two independent photos of an ICE van at a warehouse |
| Probable | Likely accurate but only one source | Video showing an unmarked van leaving a public lot |
| Unverified | Submitted by user without supporting evidence | Single text report of “ICE spotted near mall” |
Origins and Creators
The platform was founded by Celeste, a social media creator active in immigrant rights circles, who was later joined by collaborator Kat. The pair transitioned early tracking from spreadsheets to a live map, later expanding to a volunteer moderation network. The team remains partially anonymous for safety, emphasizing privacy in sensitive reporting.
The original Padlet-hosted version was removed due to policy violations, prompting the migration to independent hosting under iceout.org, with expanded features for moderation, notifications, and reporting workflows.
Accuracy and Limitations
While moderated, reports can vary in reliability. Challenges include:
- Misidentifying vehicles or personnel
- Outdated reports
- False positives from unrelated federal operations
Community moderation and verification reduce errors but cannot fully eliminate uncertainty. Users are advised to treat the map as an awareness tool rather than a definitive source.
Expert Insight:
“Platforms like People Over Papers demonstrate how community-driven reporting can augment situational awareness, though they cannot replace official verification.” — Technology analyst, Digital Rights Watch
Community Dynamics
The platform thrives on crowdsourcedvigilance, integrating local knowledge with rapid online dissemination. Communities often use coded symbols or emojis to communicate sightings on social media, reducing the risk of removal while maintaining public visibility.
Community Interaction Patterns
| Activity | Purpose | Frequency |
| Anonymous reporting | Share ICE sightings | Daily |
| Verification and moderation | Cross-check evidence | Multiple times per day |
| Social media updates | Alert local networks | As sightings occur |
| Legal resource sharing | Connect with rapid response teams | Ongoing |
Expert Insight:
“People Over Papers reflects the shift in civic engagement online—people become part of the information infrastructure itself.” — Sofia Calder, Digital Culture Editor
Similar Platforms
Other tools exist for similar purposes:
| Platform | Type | Features |
| ICEBlock | iOS | Real-time ICE location reporting; removed from App Store |
| StopICE.Net | Web/text | Alerts and legal resources via text or email |
| Coqui | Android/iOS | Community reporting with proximity notifications |
| F.I.R.E. App | Android | Grassroots reporting of local law enforcement activity |
Each platform relies on volunteer submissions and is subject to varying verification standards. None are officially endorsed by law enforcement.
Use in Policy and Public Awareness
The site’s growth coincided with policy shifts under the Trump administration, reflecting public concern over immigration enforcement practices. Millions of unique users reported checking the platform to anticipate raids and share situational awareness, highlighting digital tools as civic resources.
Expert Insight:
“This tool shows how online platforms can rapidly scale situational intelligence during periods of uncertainty.” — Arjun Vale, Lead Analyst, Nanobanana Lab
Risks and Safety Considerations
While useful, the platform carries potential risks:
- Misinterpretation of reports
- Exposure to harassment or surveillance
- Potential legal implications for sharing unverified information
Users are encouraged to corroborate information with community networks and trusted organizations.
Takeaways
- People Over Papers is a crowdsourced platform tracking ICE activity.
- Accuracy depends on community verification; users should exercise caution.
- Millions of visitors indicate significant public reliance for situational awareness.
- Similar platforms include ICEBlock, StopICE.Net, Coqui and F.I.R.E.
- Moderation and volunteer review are critical for credibility.
- The platform highlights online community coordination for civic purposes.
- Safety and privacy remain central concerns for users and creators.
Conclusion
People Over Papers illustrates how technology, community collaboration, and digital platforms intersect to create real-world impact. By crowd-sourcing information on ICE activity, the site empowers communities to act cautiously and collectively. Yet it also highlights the challenges of balancing transparency, safety, and accuracy in high-stakes civic reporting. The platform represents both a tool for awareness and a lens into the evolving landscape of online civic engagement.
FAQs
1. What is People Over Papers?
A crowdsourced platform for anonymously reporting ICE sightings in real time.
2. Who created it?
Founded by Celeste with collaborator Kat; early operations were hosted on Padlet.
3. How accurate are reports?
Accuracy varies; moderation and corroboration improve reliability.
4. Are there similar apps?
Yes, including ICEBlock, StopICE.Net, Coqui, and F.I.R.E.
5. Can users be at risk?
Yes, risks include misinterpretation, harassment, and privacy concerns.
References
- Boyle Heights Beat. Padlet removes People Over Papers, a mapping tool tracking ICE raids. https://boyleheightsbeat.com/padlet-removes-people-over-papers-a-mapping-tool-tracking-ice-raids
- Tribune Pakistan. TikToker launches site to track ICE operations and help immigrants evade deportation. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2528566/tiktoker-launches-site-to-track-ice-operations-and-help-immigrants-evade-deportation
- Univision. People Over Papers eliminado de Padlet. https://www.univision.com/local/los-angeles-kmex/people-over-papers-eliminado-de-padlet
- Wikipedia. ICEBlock. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICEBlock
- Washington Post. ICE raids tracking online tools. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/03/30/ice-raids-tracking-officers-online-immigration
