Makerspaces Unite: DIY Tech Fights Back Against ICE Expansion

As immigration enforcement intensifies across the US, a network of makers, hackers, and activists is leveraging technology to support communities facing increased scrutiny. From 3D-printed tools to sophisticated communication networks, these DIY initiatives are providing practical resources for monitoring ICE activity, protecting vulnerable individuals, and fostering community resilience.

Makerspaces, community workshops equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and other fabrication tools, are emerging as crucial centers for this movement. These spaces are not only providing the resources to create essential tools but also fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among like-minded individuals. One of the most widespread initiatives involves the production of 3D-printed whistles, enabling individuals to quickly alert others to the presence of ICE agents in their vicinity.

Beyond whistles, makers are developing a diverse range of tools to address various needs. 3D-printed tourniquets, camera mounts for bodycams, and handheld eye washers are being produced to assist protesters and observers documenting ICE activity. Fix-it clinics are also emerging within these spaces, providing assistance to repair damaged equipment and tech resulting from protests or ICE raids.

Communication is a key component of community resilience. The Meshtastic project, utilizing low-power mesh routers, provides an off-grid communication network that allows users to send text messages without relying on internet or cellular infrastructure. These routers can be strategically placed to create expansive networks for monitoring and communicating about ICE movements, offering a secure and discreet alternative to traditional communication methods. As Woody Poulard of NYC Resistor notes, this technology is beneficial during natural disasters and other times when people need to communicate privately.

The movement extends beyond purely practical tools. Artists and crafters are incorporating elements of joy and creativity into resistance efforts. Claire Danielle Cassidy, an artist in Portland, Oregon, creates light graffiti projectors and solar-panel power banks for demonstrations and advocates for “weaponized cuteness.” She believes that by infusing activism with creativity and joy, individuals can maintain their humanity and avoid succumbing to the fear and stress that can be detrimental to effective resistance.

Cassidy's pop-up camp, There U Glow, teaches people how to modify LED lights, turning a fun and engaging activity into an accessible entry point for technical tinkering. By learning how to create an LED coat, participants acquire foundational skills applicable to setting up off-grid solar arrays, empowering them to become more self-sufficient and resilient in the face of adversity.

As ICE continues to expand its reach across the country, these grassroots tech initiatives offer a powerful example of community-driven innovation and resistance. By leveraging readily available technologies and fostering collaboration within makerspaces and hacker communities, individuals are creating practical tools, building resilient networks, and reclaiming their agency in the face of increasing government scrutiny.