As you prepare to take part in community actions, remember that each of us plays a vital role in strengthening our collective call for justice and systemic change. Our presence amplifies our collective voice, making our advocacy more powerful and impactful. It’s essential to stay rooted in our goals, prepared to engage safely, and to have a plan that embodies our commitment to resilience and solidarity.
While these moments are important, ANY interaction with law enforcement—even at peaceful demonstrations—carries potential risks. This includes possible involvement from agencies like local police, ICE, and/or CBP, even if official statements suggest otherwise. To protect yourself and others, arrive grounded, informed, and equipped with a plan that prioritizes safety and unity.
Create a plan ahead of time on how you choose to show up.
- Get the location, time, duration and weather of the event ahead of time.
- Create an event route ahead of time to plan for emergency exits, pick up points, locations of medics of water stations, making note of nearby safe spots like rest areas and places with wifi.
- Find out who is organizing the event, who is a good contact person on site and have their contact information readily available.
*Note: Front line demonstrators are potentially at higher risk of arrest, be alert that police may detain demonstrators even when they are not an active participant of the event*.
- Stay close to your group at all times:
- Decide ahead of time when you as a whole group will leave the event.
- Practice grounding techniques: Being in these spaces can be emotionally heavy. Try grounding exercises or deep breathing before things begin to stay calm and centered.
Each case is different, and enforcement interactions can impact each individual differently. Having trusted legal counsel can answer key questions about the impact on current and future status adjustments.
Have a preparedness package ready and leave it with someone you trust.
- Designate someone to respond if you are arrested or detained.
- Share with a trusted loved one where you will be heading and write their number down somewhere you can still access it even without your phone.
- Share that number with someone in your group so they can contact someone on your behalf if needed.
Identify if there are any forms of support ready for potential arrests:
- Bails Bonds
- Pro-Bono Attorneys
- Local organizations providing guidance and legal support
Identify a trusted Immigration attorney ready to respond
- Consult with them beforehand if possible, especially if you have any past arrests or contact with immigration.
If you are planning to take your phone,
- Make sure you remove facial recognition and fingerprint options in case your phone is confiscated.
- Be ready to identify and document who is making your arrest.
Know Your Rights
- You have the right to free speech and peaceful assembly, no matter your status. The First Amendment protects these rights, though courts don’t always consistently uphold them.
- While government retaliation against free speech is prohibited, some leaders have been targeted or arrested after protests.
- If approached by police or law enforcement agents, you have the right to remain silent. A response you can use is, “I know my right to remain silent, and I choose to exercise it.”
- You don’t have to consent to searches. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches, so you can say, “I do not consent to this search,” if law enforcement asks.
- Officers might try to get indirect consent, like saying, “Empty your pockets.” Knowing that following these requests can be seen as consent empowers you to make informed decisions in each moment.
If arrested, here are the best ways to identify yourself
- A state issued ID is the best way to identify yourself
- Do not carry false documents
- School IDs are often valid forms of identification (may vary from state to state)
- If your passport is your only form of identification and you are detained, remember you can deny responding to any questions unless your attorney is present.
Most common charges in demonstrations can be:
- Curfew Violation
- Inciting a Riot
- Obstruction of Traffic
- Disorderly Conduct
- Criminal Trespass
If someone in your group is being detained and you interfere, you can be detained for interfering. Make sure an ally is prepared to record and collect information like:
- Video [Check out our Know Your Rights resources for content on how to videotape]
- Badges and/or names
- Time and location
- Agencies involved
Make sure this information is focused on the officers and not the person being detained
If you are detained, remain calm, remember, and execute your plan as best as you can.
