UCLA Radio has compiled a list of resources and recommendations for community members in light of intensifying ICE raids and police violence across LA. This page includes resources for identifying and reporting ICE operations, in addition to protest safety.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of recommended action items intended to educate individuals exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest on how to protect themselves should escalation occur. UCLA Radio does not encourage any individual to incite violence or disobey the law. 

⭑ Know Your Rights – be aware of local laws on public demonstrations, civil disobedience, and law enforcement.

⭑ Organize A Group – have a buddy system to stay safe and keep track of each other.

⭑ Share Your Plans – let a trusted individual know your plans, whereabouts, and when you expect to return to a safe location; decide what they should if you do not return on time (ie. call your buddy, drive to your last location, contact jail support, etc.).

⭑ Save Phone Numbers – know who you can call if you lose your group or are separated from the crowd; know the Jail Support number for your area [LA: (424) 610-3020]. Write jail support or a trusted individual’s phone number on a part of your body with a permanent marker where it will not get easily rubbed off (i.e. not arms).

⭑ Carry Cash – electronic transactions can be used to track your activity to and from the protest.

⭑ Organize On Signal – phone messages can be used against you; communicate your plans via protected messaging platforms.

⭑ Turn off Biometrics, Tracking  – disable face/touch ID to unlock your phone. Disable phone location and tracking services. 

⭑ Plan Your Exit – set a time, location, and group to meet with after the protest or in the event of escalation. If possible, have somebody able to drive in the case of emergency evacuation.

⭑ Assess Your Risk  – consider if you are in a position to protect vulnerable individuals with your body and/or to hold the line.

⭑ Be Aware – remain vigilant of your surroundings, potential threats, and keep track of your buddy/group.

⭑ Protect Yourself – helmets, goggles, sunglasses, masks/respirators, face coverings, loose fitting clothing, backpacks, elbow & knee pads, gloves, and umbrellas can all be used to protect against projectiles and gasses.

⭑ Bring Bottled Water – at least one for hydration and one to rinse chemical irritants out of the eyes and face. 

⭑ Cover or Remove Identifiables – wear a mask and take off anything that can be used to identify your person such as tattoos, dyed hair, pins, stickers, or name tags.

⭑ Bring Protective Equipment – In the event of police deploying teargas or other chemical irritants, a P100 mask is the best for personal protection. An N95 mask may also be used, but is not as effective. If you anticipate police confrontation, bring tightly fitting goggles that seal to your face.

⭑ Share Updates – report or boost information over secure channels (e.g. Signal) to keep others aware of threats they may not be able to see directly.

⭑ Anticipate Risk – violent escalation is common for large-scale protests; if you are uncomfortable being in a dangerous situation, decide when you and your buddy will leave.

⭑ Tear Gas or Chemical Irritants – poke a hole in the cap of a disposable water bottle to spray water in your own or someone else’s eyes. DO NOT rub or touch the irritated area. Wear multiple masks layered on top of each other, and slightly wet one of them to better catch particulates.

⭑ Projectiles – use helmets and umbrellas to block flying debris from hitting you and/or those around you. If you do not have head protection, fall back or leave the area.

⭑ Kettling – look for possible exits and find your buddy. Avoid tunnels and bridges where exit routes may be limited.

⭑ Detainment/Arrest –  you have the right to remain silent. Do NOT sign any forms or provide information without a lawyer present. Call your jail support number. 

⭑ Stay Calm – avoid running unless absolutely necessary, as this may sow panic and confusion.

⭑ Be Careful Of Posting Content – any photos or videos you post can be used to associate you with the protest; if you are worried about your Internet footprint, DO NOT POST or share messages about your attendance. Do not post any images that could be used to identify yourself or others.

⭑ Check In With Your Group – make sure all members made it to a safe location or are accounted for.

⭑ Take Care of Yourself – protests can induce physical responses from the stress, trauma, and tension; be sure to regulate your heart and mind once you are safe.

Print or screenshot this checklist to ensure you are fully equipped to attend a protest:

▢ Water (disposable bottles recommended)

▢ High-energy Snacks

▢ Respirators/Masks (P100 is highly recommended, but N95 works as well)

▢ Tightly Fitting Goggles

▢ Sunglasses

▢ Helmets or Hardhats

▢ Face Coverings

▢ Non-identifiable clothing

▢ Umbrellas

▢ Elbows & knee pads

▢ Earplugs

▢ Gloves

▢ Comfortable walking shoes

▢ Portable Charger/s

▢ A backpack for carrying personal items

—

▢ Sunscreen

▢ Saline

▢ Wet wipes

▢ A solution composed of half liquid antacid and half water (for rinsing out chemical irritants from the throat and eyes)

▢ Spray Bottle

Leave It Home

X Anything that could be used to identify you!

X Electronics unless absolutely necessary

@uniondelbrarrio – Confirmed ICE reports & calls to action

@communityselfdefensecoalition – calls to action

@jailsupportla – jail support resources and information

@westla.rrn – West LA rapid response

⭑ If CA-exempt, the car is likely LASD or LAPD

⭑ Dark tinted front windows and police railing in the rear passenger area

⭑ Agents typically operate in pairs

⭑ No accessories or stickers

⭑ No front license plate

⭑ Similar suspicious vehicles nearby

⭑ If you suspect a vehicle is an ICE vehicle, inform others of suspected ICE activity in the area. Include as much detail as possible in your report to ensure individuals are gathering the best information. Use the SALUTE method:

Size & Strength – how many? How aggressive? Are there similar vehicles nearby?

Activity – are the vehicles parked or patrolling? 

Location – what address are they at? Is there a storefront individuals can identify? What direction are the cars facing?

Uniform – are the agents in pedestrian clothing or uniforms? Can they be easily identified from a distance?

Time/Date – when did you notice the vehicles? Have they been parked for a long duration of time?

Equipment – are the agents armed? Do they have visible weapons or less-lethals?

If you are unable to physically show your support, please consider donating to fundraisers/organizations that help protect people at the front lines. 

Jail Support LA

A note from our Editorial Board: 

In response to escalating state violence directed against our communities, the people of LA are rising up in self-defense. We urge our readers to ground themselves in what our communities are fighting for: a future where all people can live safely, freely, and with dignity. For every mobilization to raids, every donation to self-defense organizations, every act of support for detained individuals, we drain governmental resources that would otherwise be used to violently pull families apart and destroy people’s lives. Stand together. We keep us safe.