Community groups and volunteers across the United States are distributing 3D-printed whistles intended to alert residents to immigration enforcement activities.
The initiative, supported by individuals including romance novelists Kit Rocha and Courtney Milan, has facilitated the shipment of hundreds of thousands of whistles nationwide. This effort has generated public discussion among activists, public figures, and critics regarding its purpose and potential implications.
Initiative Overview
The distribution effort involves producing and shipping 3D-printed whistles to communities in 49 U.S. states. Approximately 500,000 whistles have been shipped, with 200,000 distributed in the first week of February alone. The initiative operates as a decentralized, volunteer-driven effort, with participants coordinating through online chats and vetting requests for whistles from various groups and neighborhoods.
The concept originated when Emily Hilleren initiated "Whistlemania" events following an incident involving immigration enforcement near her school. She initially used commercially available whistles before Kit Rocha began sending 3D-printed versions to Chicago. The focus subsequently expanded to nationwide production and distribution, gaining momentum after an incident in Minneapolis involving immigration enforcement and the death of Renee Good.
Production and Logistics
Community members across the country utilize 3D printers for production, fulfilling requests ranging from 100 to 1,000 whistles. The estimated production cost for each whistle is approximately 5 cents, covering filament and electricity. Filament for 3D printing is often acquired through donations, including Amazon wishlists and contributions from manufacturers. Postage costs for distribution are reimbursed through donations collected via a GoFundMe campaign.
Common whistle designs include the "ACstudio Micro Bitonal" and the "Penne," with options for customization. Organizers report that modern 3D printers allow for efficient mass production. The "Whistle Crew," a volunteer group, has grown to over 180 members collaborating on improving processes, developing wikis, and designing whistle models. By December, over 20 members had shipped 40,000 whistles.
Intended Use and Proponents' Views
Activists employ the whistles to alert communities to the presence of immigration agents. Advocacy groups, such as Hands Off NYC, have established a code for their use: short bursts are intended to signify immigration enforcement presence, while long, repeated patterns indicate an ongoing detention. This use of whistles for alerts predates 3D printing, with historical examples cited from rallies and community alerts.
Proponents, including Kit Rocha, state that the whistles can foster human connection and mutual aid networks, aiming to provide a sense of agency for individuals. Courtney Milan indicated that whistles serve to ensure accountability by symbolizing collective observation. Instances have been reported where whistles and the witnesses they summoned have deterred or stopped immigration enforcement actions.
Criticisms and Opposition
The use of whistles has drawn criticism from various commentators.
Steven Crowder stated that the use of whistles at an incident in Minneapolis "arguably commit assault against the officers."
Mike Cernovich suggested that whistles "should be considered a violent weapon" due to their potential to cause hearing damage.
Podcaster Megyn Kelly linked whistleblowing to the death of Alex Pretti during an immigration agent encounter, suggesting it contributed to a "chaotic atmosphere," and called for the practice to cease.
Public and Political Engagement
The initiative has garnered public attention. Musician Justin Vernon of Bon Iver notably wore a whistle at the Grammy Awards, stating it represented "all the observers in Minneapolis" who "are warning their neighbors of danger." He described these individuals as engaging in "the real work of humanity and empathy" by actively supporting their communities.
Beyond activist groups, city and state lawmakers have displayed whistles at press conferences. Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib used a whistle in the House of Representatives to express opposition to immigration policies, stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) "was built on violence and racism" and "must be abolished."
Legal Considerations
Courtney Milan, a former U.S. Supreme Court law clerk, has advised the organizing group on establishing guidelines to avoid potential legal interpretations of conspiracy to interfere with immigration enforcement activities. The group asserts its purpose is to enable people to exercise First Amendment rights of assembly and to seek redress from the government. Online communication channels used for coordination explicitly prohibit discussions of illegal activities, and administrators verify that requests for whistles are for lawful purposes.
Milan also expressed concerns about potential government actions against similar initiatives. She countered criticisms that whistles impede immigration enforcement, stating that such a claim implies immigration enforcement is "too ashamed to do unlawful acts when being watched."