Thousands of people across the country are protesting ICE raids and participating in demonstrations such as the recent “No Kings Day,” to oppose President Donald Trump’s draconian and harmful immigration policies. Trump’s deployment of military forces to suppress protests is an authoritarian intimidation tactic aimed at silencing the First Amendment right to peaceably assemble.

Here is what to know about ways to protest and the First Amendment right to have your voice heard.

If you are a U.S. citizen and want to protest

• You have a right to free speech.

• You can peacefully protest in public spaces.

• You do not need a permit to march in the streets or sidewalks as long as you do not block vehicular or pedestrian traffic from cars or pedestrians.

• You have a right to take photos in public spaces of anything in plain view.

• You do not need a permit to march in the streets or sidewalks as long as you do not block vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
• You have a right to take photos in public spaces of anything in plain view.

• Law enforcement cannot demand or confiscate photos or videos without a warrant, the ACLU also says. Be aware of state wiretapping laws.

• Private property owners can determine rules for speech on their property.

• Carry U.S. government-issued identification.

• Do not engage with agitators or those trying to provoke a negative reaction.

If you are an immigrant and want to protest

• You have a right to free speech and a right to be free from retaliation.

• You can protest in public spaces.

• You do not need a permit to march in the streets or sidewalks as long as you do no block vehicular or pedestrian traffic, according to the ACLU.

• Have a safety plan prior to the protest that includes contact information for an attorney and know protest exit routes.
• Use encrypted messaging services like Signal when discussing the protest. Put your phone on airplane mode and turn off facial recognition.
• Don’t post photos online of your participation in protests.
• Know state laws and your rights about recording a video of law enforcement.
• If undocumented, do not carry documents issued by other countries. If states require you to carry identification and you are asked to identify yourself, use a state-issued identification document or another document issued in the U.S. Be aware of the expedited removal process.

What to do if you feel your rights are violated while protesting

• If you are arrested or detained, ask why.

• You have a right to remain silent and do not have to share your immigration status with police.

• Get law enforcement badge numbers, patrol car numbers and names of their agencies.

• If you are injured, take photos.

• Get contact information from any witnesses.

• File a formal complaint with the agency’s civilian complaint board or internal affairs department.

If you do not want to or cannot attend a protest, but want to help

• Donate supplies such as bottled water to organizers.

• Go with immigrants to ICE check-ins. This shows ICE that the immigrant has community support.

• Share immigration legal services and resources.

• Call local and state elected officials demanding action against illegal deportations and accountability by immigration officials.

• Make donations to bail funds.

• Support immigration rights advocacy groups.

This guide was compiled using information provided by the American Civil Liberties Union, Human Rights Campaign, National Immigration Law Center, and Indivisible, a grassroots, social movement organization.

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