The Democratic Party will never waver in its commitment to peaceful protest and civic engagement. Protesting DHS and ICE policies reflects deeply held concerns about safety, dignity, and accountability. While the federal government may refuse to prioritize safety in its actions, we must always prioritize safety in ours.

Your Right to Speak — and the Power of Discipline:
You have the right to verbally protest. This includes chanting, speaking out, criticizing government policies, and expressing anger or frustration. However, how we speak matters. We strongly urge participants to avoid profanity, threats, slurs, or demeaning language. Such language is often used to shift public attention away from the substance of our message and toward tone or behavior, and it can empower government narratives that seek to justify repression or discredit the movement. Clear, firm, and disciplined speech is one of our strongest tools.

Know Your Rights:
You have the right to peacefully assemble, hold signs, and express your views in public spaces, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Law enforcement may issue orders related to public safety, and participants are expected to comply with those orders. If questioned, you generally have the right to remain silent and to ask whether you are free to leave.

Arrest, Detention, and Non-Resistance:
If law enforcement attempts to detain or arrest you, be aware that struggle against detention or arrest – even minimal resistance – can be used as a pretext to escalate force or to bring serious felony charges such as resisting arrest or assault on an officer. Non-resistance helps protect you and those around you and denies law enforcement an excuse to use violence. The safest and most effective place to challenge an unlawful arrest or detention is later—through the court system, with legal counsel—not in the moment.

Civil Disobedience and Safety:
We acknowledge that many participants feel a strong moral commitment to civil disobedience, and such actions have a long and important history. Civil disobedience, however, carries real legal and physical risks—especially in the context of DHS and ICE enforcement. Anyone considering such actions should do so deliberately, with full awareness of the consequences, and without placing others at risk. Regardless of tactics, safety must remain the priority.

Conduct and De-escalation:
Remain peaceful at all times. Do not engage in violence, property damage, or physical confrontation. Do not block emergency access or escalate tense situations. If provoked, disengage and allow designated organizers or marshals to intervene. Individual actions can be isolated, misrepresented, and used to undermine the legitimacy of the entire protest.

Protecting the Organization and the Cause:
Each participant represents more than themselves. Please follow organizer guidance, avoid independent actions that could be misconstrued, and be mindful of how public behavior and online posts may be used against the organization and the broader movement. A disciplined, peaceful, and safety-focused protest strengthens public support and advances our goals.

Thank you for standing up for your values while helping ensure that this action remains safe, credible, and effective for everyone involved!