The past decade has brought record numbers of Americans to the streets over critical issues — gun violence, racial injustice, police brutality and reproductive rights. More recently, the killing of two American citizens in Minneapolis and countless reports of harassment and unconstitutional raids by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have prompted protests from coast to coast, including many planned for this weekend.
While demonstrations are an important way to enact change, protesters face real risks from violent counterprotesters, law enforcement responses and health concerns when large groups gather.
Read more: What Can You Legally Share About ICE Raids on Social Media? I Found Out
doesn’t encourage violating curfews or legal restrictions. However, if you attend a demonstration, here’s how to protect yourself based on guidance from Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union and other sources.
Getting ready
Preparation is crucial. Here’s what to consider bringing and leaving behind:
What to bring:
- A body camera or GoPro
- Water and snacks
- Face mask (outdoor transmission risk is lower, but masks still help prevent the spread of illness)
- Hand sanitizer
- Charged phone with a power bank
- ID and cash
- Protective goggles for tear gas
- Essential medications like inhalers
- Small backpack
- Emergency contacts written on your arm in marker
- A companion or tell someone your location if going alone
What not to bring:
- Anything problematic if detained — weapons, items that could be considered weapons or illegal substances
- Contact lenses (wear glasses — contacts can trap tear gas)
- Valuables
- Makeup (can help tear gas adhere to skin)
What to wear:
- Warm clothes, comfortable and without logos or patterns
- Long sleeves and pants to protect from tear gas and cover identifying features like tattoos
- Sturdy shoes for quick movement (hiking boots recommended)
- A hat for sun protection or blending into crowds
What to do with your phone
As reported by our sister site PCMag, your phone can be a safety asset, but also a liability at protests. “Many smart devices track your location through multiple means. This is useful for getting directions and finding things nearby, but it can also allow law enforcement to extract your movements after the fact. For example, pictures you take with a smartphone frequently include their physical locations, and Google Maps maintains records of your movements in its Your Timeline section.”
With that in mind, here are four simple steps you can take to mitigate mobile tracking:
- Shut off Wi-Fi.
- Disable location services and Bluetooth until you absolutely need them.
- If you don’t need to use your data connection, switch it off (note this may hamper your ability to use encrypted communications).
- Again, if you can, leave your phone at home — if not, at least turn it off.
During a protest
Establish a plan before you arrive at the protest, and let someone know where you plan to be and when.
Establish a plan before arriving, including how and when you plan to leave. Decide your arrival and departure times, what situations would trigger you to leave and how you’ll exit if things escalate. Share this plan with someone staying home who can help if needed.
Stay alert to your surroundings and crowd movements. If something feels wrong, leave immediately.
Law enforcement may use tear gas, rubber bullets or other crowd control measures that can cause injury. Your best protection is creating distance from these situations quickly. If that’s impossible, research how to respond to these specific threats beforehand.
Health precautions
Outdoor gatherings carry a lower COVID, flu and common cold risk than indoor ones, but risk remains, especially for immunocompromised individuals. Complete protection means not attending, but you can reduce risk by:
- Wearing a mask
- Using hand sanitizer frequently
- Staying home if you feel sick
- Skipping protests if you live with high-risk individuals
Know your rights
The First Amendment protects peaceful assembly, but you could still face detention. Before attending:
- Search for “[your city] protest legal support” to find local hotlines
- Save these numbers to your phone and write them on your arm
- Review your rights during protests using the ACLU’s guide
