Interacting with Law Enforcement

Dealing with police or ICE during direct action, rapid response, or community defense situations can be one of the most stressful and high-risk moments a person may face. This lesson gives you the tools to respond calmly, legally, and strategically — whether you're being approached, witnessing an encounter, or acting in a support role.

📊 85% of rights violations occur when individuals don’t know how to respond.

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Core Principles

• Stay calm and grounded. Slow breath, steady posture, and non-threatening body language.
• Know your rights. Clear, lawful responses prevent manipulation.
• De-escalate. Your presence is to defuse, not provoke.
• Support quietly. Center those most vulnerable—don’t draw attention to them.
• Document responsibly. Videos and notes may become legal evidence.

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Know Your Rights

Right	Description
Remain silent	You do not have to answer questions from police or ICE.
Attorney access	Ask for one and stop talking until they arrive.
Refuse search	You do not have to allow searches of your bag, phone, car.
Right to film	You may record public officials in public spaces.
Right to leave	Ask: “Am I being detained, or am I free to go?”

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ICE vs Police

Agency	Purpose	Tactics Used	Power Limits
ICE	Immigration enforcement	Surveillance, raids, traffic stops	Cannot enter homes without a judicial warrant
Police	Criminal enforcement	Arrests, patrols, community stops	Must have reasonable suspicion to detain

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Warrant Types

Comparison Table

Type	Judicial Warrant	Administrative Warrant
Authority	Signed by a judge	Issued by ICE
Legal Power	Grants entry to homes	Does not grant entry
Compliance	Legally required	Not required

📌 Always ask: “Can you slide the warrant under the door?”

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If You’re Approached

• Breathe. Don’t run or argue.
• Ask: “Am I being detained?”
  • If yes: Stay silent. Ask for an attorney.
  • If no: Walk away calmly.
• Say: “I do not consent to a search.”
• Don’t reach into bags or pockets suddenly.

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If You Witness an Encounter

• Start recording from a safe distance.
• Narrate facts: time, location, agent description.
• Do not intervene physically unless there's immediate danger.
• Use coded alerts with your team (e.g., “Blue umbrellas up”).

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De-escalation Techniques

Phrases

• “I’m just observing for everyone’s safety.”
• “We’re staying calm and legal here.”
• “Am I free to go?”
• “I do not consent to a search.”

Non-Verbal Cues

• Keep palms visible and relaxed.
• Avoid sudden movements.
• Step slowly, speak quietly.

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Role-Based Approaches

👁️ Legal Observers

• Don’t chant or protest.
• Wear ID if possible.
• Record details: badge numbers, agent names, timestamps.

🛡️ Field Support (Marshals, Care Teams)

• Use steady voice and body posture.
• Offer grounding reminders: “Let’s breathe, you’re not alone.”
• Create gentle physical buffers if safe.

📷 Runners or Techs

• Use encrypted storage or burner phones.
• Upload footage immediately.
• Share with dispatch if needed—never social media.

🩺 Medic Protocols

• Ask first: “Are you hurt? Do you need help?”
• Look for visible injuries or signs of distress.
• Don’t touch anyone without consent — unless they are unconscious or clearly unable to respond.
• If a person can't consent but appears seriously injured, use medically implied consent to provide aid.
• Document what you see — not what you assume.
• Report neglect, harm, or use-of-force injuries to legal observers or designated safety roles.

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Raids and Home Visits

You are not required to open the door unless a judicial warrant is shown. ICE may attempt deception.

Script for the Door

"I do not consent to entry. Please slide the warrant under the door."

If they cannot show a valid warrant signed by a judge, do not open.

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Grounding and Mental Support

If you feel panic, dissociation, or freeze:

• Touch reality: belt loop, sidewalk, necklace.
• Use the 5-4-3-2-1 method:
  • 5 things you see
  • 4 things you feel
  • 3 things you hear
  • 2 things you smell
  • 1 thing you taste
• Slow breath mantra: “I am here. I am safe.”

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If It Escalates

• Don’t run or fight.
• Say: “I do not consent. I want a lawyer.”
• Stay silent. Don’t sign anything.
• Memorize emergency contact or write it on your arm.

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Emergency Script

1. “I invoke my right to remain silent.”
2. “I do not consent to a search.”
3. Call: [Trusted Contact Name] at [Number]
4. Repeat if needed.

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Resources

Resource	Description
ACLU Know Your Rights	https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights
ILRC Red Cards	https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
National Lawyers Guild	https://www.nlg.org/
ICE Tea Watch	https://icetea.peoplesrebellion.org

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Practice Checklist

• I’ve reviewed my local and state laws
• I’ve memorized or stored a legal contact
• I’ve practiced grounding techniques
• I’ve rehearsed my phrases: “Am I being detained?” etc.
• My phone is encrypted and backed up

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