What are your rights if you see #ICE activity? Recommended #safety practices for bystanders

Do not disclose anyone’s legal status, even if asked by ICE. You do not have to answer questions about others, you are only required to present your own paperwork when asked by an immigration officer. If asked about another person’s status, say 'I don’t know' or 'I can’t help.” You also have the legal right to say nothing.'

By Karlee Van De Venter and Rosemary Montalvo, February 06, 2025

"Since Trump’s inauguration, rumors and fears have circulated about ICE presence and mass deportations. Posts are circulating across social media platforms, including Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, reporting ICE sightings. But posting unconfirmed information can do more harm than good, as it can spread mass panic in already uncertain times. There are recommendations available for bystanders from many organizations, including the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (#WAISN), on what to say and do when you see immigration officials working in your local community.

What if I see ICE?

"If you see ICE activity in your area, be deliberate in your response. WAISN, the largest immigrant-led coalition in Washington state, has recommendations for bystanders who want to support their local immigrant community amid fears of mass deportation.

"When sharing information, WAISN says to carefully evaluate to be sure it’s more helpful than harmful.

What are your rights if you see ICE?

"Everyone has basic guaranteed rights in the U.S., regardless of their legal status. With threats of mass deportation, households with immigrants are creating emergency deportation plans and preparing for the worst case scenarios.
You have the right to record activity and interactions with immigration and law enforcement officers, so long as you do not impede them from doing their job.

"If you are asked to back up, WAISN suggests taking a step back and repeating 'I am exercising my right to record and document.' If officers get too close to you, state that you have stepped back and repeat you are exercising your right to record. You want to remain calm, but speak firmly.

"Record the entirety of the incident, and narrate your experience. State the date and time while recording. If you’re going to post online, make sure your information is backed up with evidence. Speak with a first-person witness if you can. Take notes of what you see. How many officers are there? What are they wearing? What cars are involved, are they marked? What agency? Are people being questioned, or detained? If you feel safe, legally you can ask an officer why they are there.

Additionally, be sure to take note of:

- Officer identification - agency, badge, numbers, uniform, name
- The specific address, if possible
- Language used by the officers, especially hate speech or identity speech and anything false or unproven
- Cars - note the license plates and agency if marked
- Any physical force

Any post you make should include:

- Date and time of reported activity
Street name or specific description of the area
- Pictures or videos with timestamps

"Once you begin documenting activity, WAISN recommends disabling thumbprint or facial recognition protection on your phone. Using a passcode better protects your evidence and information."

In Washington state, you can call the Deportation Defense Hotline at 1-844-724-3737 if you see potential ICE activity."

Read more:
https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/state/washington/article299260449.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/X7pEN
#ICERaids #ResistICE #ImmigrantRights #KnowYourRights

Excerpt from #ACLUMaine's "#KnowYourRights - #Protests"

"The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest.

"However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. Make sure you’re prepared by brushing up on your rights before heading out into the streets.

Organizing A Protest

- Your rights are strongest in what are known as 'traditional public forums,' such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also likely have the right to speak out on other public property, like plazas in front of government buildings, as long as you are not blocking access to the government building or interfering with other purposes the property was designed for.
- Private property owners can set rules for speech on their property. The government may not restrict your speech if it is taking place on your own property or with the consent of the property owner.
- Counterprotesters also have free speech rights. Police must treat protesters and counterprotesters equally. Police are permitted to keep antagonistic groups separated but should allow them to be within sight and sound of one another.
- When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. On private property, the owner may set rules related to photography or video.

Do I need a permit?

- You don’t need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, as long as marchers don’t obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. If you don’t have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons.
- Certain types of events may require permits. These include a march or parade that requires blocking traffic or street closure; a large rally requiring the use of sound amplifying devices; or a rally over a certain size at most parks or plazas.
- While certain permit procedures require submitting an application well in advance of the planned event, police can’t use those procedures to prevent a protest in response to breaking news events.
- Restrictions on the route of a march or sound equipment might violate the First Amendment if they are unnecessary for traffic control or public safety, or if they interfere significantly with effective communication to the intended audience.
- A permit cannot be denied because the event is controversial or will express unpopular views.
- If the permit regulations that apply to your protest require a fee for a permit, they should allow a waiver for those who cannot afford the charge.

What to do if you believe your rights have been violated

- When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.
- Get contact information for witnesses.
- Take photographs of any injuries.
- Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board."

https://www.aclumaine.org/en/know-your-rights/protesting
#FirstAmendment #FreeSpeech #Protest #protesters #ProtestOfOne #ResistFascism #MaineACLU #ACLU #50501Movement