Technology
The Stop ICE Raids Alert Network relies on a set of digital tools that enable real-time communication, participatory data collection, and public-facing mapping. These technologies work together to support the project’s goals of transparency, community empowerment, and education through accessible digital systems.
Tools Used
Leaflet.js
Stop ICE uses Leaflet.js, an open-source mapping library, to power its real-time interactive map. This tool transforms user-submitted ICE alerts into visual markers that anyone can access, allowing communities to see enforcement patterns as they unfold. By converting raw crowd-sourced data into an easy-to-read map, Leaflet supports the project’s goal of transparency. It helps users, journalists, and advocates understand the broader geography of immigration enforcement. In Digital Humanities contexts, Leaflet is widely used for spatial storytelling and mapping cultural or historical data, making it a natural fit for this type of digital resistance work.
SMS Alert System
A key technology behind Stop ICE’s accessibility is its SMS-based alert system, which allows users to report ICE activity or receive warnings by text message without needing a smartphone, an app, or internet access. This ensures that even the most vulnerable individuals—those with limited digital resources—can stay informed. The system supports the project’s goal of community empowerment and safety, offering immediate communication during moments of risk. This kind of text-message infrastructure is also used in public health and emergency-response systems, aligning with DH values of inclusivity and accessible communication design.
Python and Pandas
Behind the scenes, Stop ICE relies on Python and Pandas to organize and clean the large amount of crowd-sourced data it receives. These tools remove duplicates, categorize alerts by verification status, generalize locations for privacy, and prepare information for display on the public map. This backend work ensures that the data remains accurate and ethically handled, directly supporting the project’s goals of transparency and education. In the Digital Humanities, Python and Pandas are standard tools for preparing datasets, running analyses, and ensuring the reliability of information presented to the public.