From the Archives: Protest Safety

(originially published on Facebook, June 12th 2025)

Anti-ICE protests are happening all across the US this week, and in my hometown there are demonstrations planned that coincide with our local Pride celebrations. That means that a lot of folks might be unprepared for an escalation of violent and fear-mongering action.

Despite years of media messaging to the contrary, the escalation is always initiated by law enforcement, NOT citizens exercising their right to peacefully assemble.

Now, I'm not trying to be an alarmist, but a protest is a volatile thing. You have no idea if/when a demonstration will turn violent.

To that effect- don't assume that an event that starts out peaceful will stay peaceful.

If you are not able to risk arrest and/or violent altercation, please stay home. There is plenty to do besides protesting, like being an emergency contact for a protestor and keeping an eye on media coverage of the event to provide updates to folks on the ground.

I've been to a fair amount of protests through the years, and here are a few things I wish I'd known. I suggest reviewing the following in preparation for this weekend:

PART ONE: Preparation

1. Let someone know you plan on attending. Have a plan for checking in with them, and don't forget to let them know when you arrive safely home after the event.

2. Go with at least one other person. Make a plan for meeting up if you get separated, and what to do/who to contact if your buddy misses that meet up. Make sure you have your buddy's emergency contact info, and that they have yours.

3. Memorize your emergency contact information, someone who is not at the event. Make sure that they know who to call in case you are detained. Your local ACLU is a good first place to look for that information

4. Save this first photo and make it your phone wallpaper or lock screen. To protect your data, make sure your phone is password protected (not face or fingerprint). Law enforcement cannot require you to enter your phone password. Turn off your phone when possible.

   

   "I am asserting my right to be silent and refusing to speak to you. I will not speak to any officer without an attorney present. I wish to leave, am I free to go?" ACLU WA

5. Wear comfortable, generic clothing that is weather appropriate. If you can stand to layer clothes, do so. Regularly apply sunblock, and wear a hat if you can- especially if you're on SSRIs or are otherwise sensitive to sun exposure.

6. Do NOT take pictures of people without permission!! Especially if there are identifying characteristics shown, like tattoos, colorful hair, or distinctive clothing. Cover your own tattoos or other unique identifiers.

7. Wear a bandana, gaiter, or N95 mask over your nose and mouth. Bring multiples if possible. Sunglasses are also recommended for protection.

8. Bring water- it's important to stay hydrated. It's also a good idea to keep some water reserved for flushing your eyes (or someone else's) if tear gas gets deployed.

9. Review the current guidance re: what to do if tear gas is deployed and if you have time and capacity consider assembling some of the recommended first aid supplies in the image below.

10. Eat beforehand & try to bring a snack- if the situation escalates, you could be unable to leave the area for a long period of time.

11. If you take daily medication, have a list of those medications, and dosages on hand. Just in case. It's also a good idea to carry over the counter painkillers/anti-inflammatories. If you take allergy meds, those are good to bring too.

12. Bring a water bottle or two- stay hydrated and reserve some to flush your eyes if tear gas is deployed.

13. Do NOT bring a weapon, especially if it's something you don't have a permit for or is illegal to carry due to type or size restrictions (like the length of certain blades).

PART TWO: Protest Best Practices

1. Do not engage with law enforcement or counter-protestors. Remain as calm as you can- their presence is meant to goad you into escalating. Their goal is to enrage you, to get you to act without thinking. Don't give them the satisfaction.

2. Be aware of your privilege(s). Keep an eye on those around you that are more vulnerable because of their age, size, nationality or skin color, mobility, etc. It sucks, but historically law enforcement is less willing to engage in brutality if the easiest targets are shielded by folks with more privilege.

   Here are some examples:

   1. I'm white, so for me, getting arrested is an inconvenience. For our Latinx neighbors, it could mean detention and/or deportation.

   2. For able-bodied folks, keep an eye on those with mobility issues if the crowd size or speed gets worrisome.

3. If you speak another language and can confidently do so- be alert. Law enforcement directions are almost universally only in English, and even repeating basic commands in other languages can help keep multilingual folks safer when it gets chaotic.

4. The punk-rock rules of the pit apply here too. If you see something inappropriate, help fix it. If someone falls or gets hurt, you get them up and safe before you go back to your work.

5. Be aware of the environment around you.

   1. Are there medics or media observers nearby?

   2. Are there young/old/frail/mobility impaired/etc folks in your vicinity? Try to anticipate what assistance they might need, have a short conversation with them if you feel comfortable doing so.

   3. What can you do to keep the folks around you safe?

   4. Be aware of potential exits AND potential areas where protestors can get blocked from leaving the area.

5. If the situation becomes unsafe, be ready to:

• GET OUT (if there is an exit or refuge of some sort, like a building or group of media observers)

• DEFEND (if you can circle up, stand in front, or otherwise shield more vulnerable folks, do it)

• RESIST (do as much as you are comfortable with to disrupt law enforcement actions, but do not resort to violence except as a Very. Last. Resort.)

  
  

You got all that? Okay, get out there and make some good trouble. <3

Edit for another shareable graphic and a link to the Riot Medicine portion of the Activist's Guide.