The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has been in the spotlight due to its repression of immigrants and targeting of protesters, not only in Minnesota but across the country. The FBI has also been investigating related Signal chats, and Facebook is taking down posts about ICE. Earlier this month, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression accused the Department of Homeland Security of forcing tech companies to censor "protected speech" on social media platforms.
I contacted two social platforms -- Nextdoor and Ring Neighbors -- to see what they allow and what happens when you see ICE activity from your video doorbell or in person. I learned what sort of posts they allow, what gets taken down and how to talk about nearby raids. Here's what you should know, too.
Are posts getting banned on apps like Ring Neighbors?
Posts that name streets and other nearby locations are less likely to be removed. Screenshot by Tyler Lacoma/CNET
I reached out to Ring about its Neighbors app policies regarding recent events and police raids, as well as Reddit reports about posts being taken down. The company provided information about its policies and explained why Ring tends to remove certain posts or prevent them from going live on Neighbors.
Posts about a general law enforcement presence can get nixed. So if someone said ICE was spotted in "Bell Gardens," their post would be denied because that's too vague. Or if a post asked, "Hey, is there any ICE activity in town?" it wouldn't be allowed. Other posts get banned if they:
Explicitly obstruct law enforcement
Voice political opinions
Assume immigration status or other types of prejudice
Don't pertain to local events
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