AntiFreeze: Keep the ICE Watchdog Network Running
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$2,838 raised of
47 donations
AntiFreeze is a free mobile app that lets communities report and receive real-time alerts about ICE activity nearby, anonymously and without collecting the personal data that puts vulnerable families at risk.
Since launching in March 2026, AntiFreeze has grown to over 4,200 users. Version 2.0 just shipped with self-hosted push notifications (no reliance on third-party services like OneSignal that can be subpoenaed or sold), GPS opt-out for people who don't want location tracked at all, and automatic 48-hour visibility limits on sighting reports. After 48 hours, reports disappear from the public feed so the data can't be used to build a live picture of anyone's movements. Historical reports remain accessible to admins and vetted watchdog partners for pattern verification and accountability, but they're never public-facing after that window.
AntiFreeze also runs a Trusted Watchdog Panel so vetted community organizations; like IceWatchSoCal can verify and coordinate reports in their area, adding a layer of accountability without compromising anonymity.
The project is protected under Cloudflare's Project Galileo (free protection for at-risk civil society groups), has been reviewed by the EFF, and is backed by Vanderbilt Law School's First Amendment Clinic for legal support.
Why I need help:
I'm a solo developer building and maintaining this in my off-hours. As usage grows, so do my real costs:
Server infrastructure — scaling database, push notification, and API capacity to handle thousands of concurrent users during raid events (when traffic spikes hardest)
SMS/push notification costs — reaching users who need alerts fastest
Legal and compliance support — working with Vanderbilt's clinic to make sure the app stays on solid First Amendment ground as it grows
Legal and compliance support — working with Vanderbilt's clinic to make sure the app stays on solid First Amendment ground as it grows
Legal defense reserve — the Trump administration has publicly threatened apps that track ICE activity. If AntiFreeze faces a legal challenge, a subpoena, or targeted action, I need to be able to hire outside counsel on short notice. This isn't hypothetical, it's a real risk of running this project
Security audits — this app protects vulnerable people; it needs to be bulletproof against both bugs and bad actors
Continued development — new features like SEO/discoverability so people in danger can actually find the app when they need it
Where the money goes:
I'm not a nonprofit — this is an independent civic tech project. Every dollar goes directly to hosting, infrastructure, and the tools needed to keep AntiFreeze free, ad-free, and privacy-first for the people who depend on it.
If you can't donate, sharing this with someone who needs it or with a local immigrant rights organization — helps just as much.
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