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ACLU UPDATE�KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND DIGITAL PRIVACY

ACLU OF OHIO

CLERMONT COUNTY DEMOCRATS

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OUTLINE

  1. ACLU 101
  2. ACLU cases of interest
  3. Know Your Rights: Protesting
  4. Know Your Rights: ICE
  5. Digital Privacy 101
  6. Get Involved
  7. Questions

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THE ACLU: OVERVIEW

American Civil Liberties Union

  • - Nonprofit, nonpartisan organization
  • - Established 105 years ago
  • - Defend individuals’ Constitutional rights�
  • National + Local Impact
  • - Affiliates in all 50 states
  • - Approximately 1.6 million members nationwide

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THE ACLU: OVERVIEW

Protect Civil Liberties By:

  • - Litigating in courts
  • - Advocating in the legislature
  • - Engaging + educating the public
  • - Community Organizing��Integrated Advocacy: Using litigation, legislation, policy advocacy, community engagement, and organizing as mutually supportive tactics to advance civil rights.
  • Diverse Departments: Administration, Legal, Advocacy (Organizing and Policy), Donor and Public Relations

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CASES OF INTEREST

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CASES OF INTEREST

  • - National
    • 4 times the size we were during the first Trump admin
    • As of 1/7, 147 Lawsuits, 102 other legal actions (FOIA, Amicus, etc.) against the administration.
    • Immigration (MN ICE ), Voting Rights (Louisiana), Free Speech

- Ohio

    • Still dismantling abortion laws using Reproductive Freedom Amendment
    • Christensen v. Carter
      • Suit vs OSU Free Speech (victory in lower court and record expunged)
    • Government Transparency through FOIA requests all over Ohio to discover 287g and ICE cooperation.
    • Ayman Soliman legal team (Released and case dropped!)

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:�PROTESTING

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: PROTESTING

  • Where can protests take place?
  • - In general, public spaces
  • However protestors or demonstrators must: 
  • - Not block traffic (foot traffic or auto traffic)
  • - Not break any laws
  • - Have the appropriate permits if required
    • Always check permit requirements for your specific city

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: PROTESTING

Tips to consider before engaging in a protest/demonstration:

- Write important phone numbers on your arm in sharpie

- Make sure someone who is not attending the protest knows that you are and arrange a check in time

- Wear comfortable shoes and layers.

- Be on the lookout for agent provocateurs

- Make sure your device(s) are charged and keep them in airplane mode (or leave them home/off)

- Do not connect to open/public Wi-Fi networks

 - Law enforcement may be using technology to collect cell phone data from anyone in the area, including you.

○ Generally, police must obtain a warrant to search your phone. We suggest setting your phone to be password protected, with no biometrics (disable fingerprint/ face unlock).

 - Items to bring: I.D., water and snack, medication in a prescription bottle, a limited amount of cash kept close to your body

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RECORDING AND DOCUMENTING POLICE AND FEDERAL AGENTS�

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RECORDING AND DOCUMENTING POLICE AND FEDERAL AGENTS

  • First Amendment protects right to record law enforcement.
  • Officers cannot confiscate or view contents without consent or warrant.
  • Government may not delete your photos or videos.
  • You may record in public spaces, including streets, sidewalks, and parks.
  • You must not interfere with officers while recording.
  • Private property owners may set rules.

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BEST PRACTICES 

  • Capture relevant details, names, badge numbers, documents, and surroundings.
  • Make backup copies immediately.
  • Keep original files safe.
  • Share documentation responsibly if needed.

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RECORDING AND DOCUMENTING POLICE AND FEDERAL AGENTS

Stay calm and do not interfere.

Announce that you are recording.

Maintain distance and keep hands visible.

Avoid sudden movements and remain polite.

IF YOU ARE ARRESTED

Stay calm and do not resist.

Ask if you are free to leave.

If arrested, assert right to remain silent and request a lawyer.

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�KNOW YOUR RIGHTS : ICE�

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS : ICE

You have the right to remain silent. Remember, anything you say can be used against you.

In Ohio, if an officer has “probable cause”, you must disclose your name, address, and/or date of birth.

You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car, or your home.

You have the right to be treated respectfully by the police and ICE officers.

If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.

Ask explicitly, “Am I under arrest?”

      • You are being detained if police use enough force that you cannot freely leave

If you are arrested under a criminal charge, you have the right to a lawyer. Ask for one immediately.

Regardless of your immigration status, you have constitutional rights.

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS AN ARREST OR DETAINMENT

You have the right to document an arrests in public.

Do not interfere with arrest or you may make yourself a target.

Ensure that you film openly, not attempting to hide your filming.

Comply with any reasonable commands they give you, such as step back or move aside. Document yourself complying.

Be sure to capture details such as badges, uniforms, and documentation.

Be sure to capture validating content such as street signs, landmarks, and cameras.

Remain calm, even if the agents become violent.

Do not reveal any information about the person being detained.

If ICE tells you to stop filming, respond by saying, “I am exercising my right to document this arrest.”

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DIGITAL PRIVACY FOR EVERYDAY ACTIVISTS

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DIGITAL PRIVACY

Digital Privacy Best Practices:

No biometrics, 6-digit PIN or better to unlock phones

Never hand your device to law enforcement without a warrant

Consider what’s on your device before crossing back into the US when traveling

Passwords: Longer is better than complex

MFA: Use MFA in a dedicated app whenever possible

Do not connect to open WiFi networks (Evil Twin attacks)

Use VPN services to protect your data when in public

Use encrypted messaging services (Signal)….SMS is an open envelope

 Use Identity Theft Protection services

Use Data Broker removal services

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GET INVOLVED

  • Know your rights and share the knowledge!
  • Request ACLU of Ohio’s Know Your Rights materials for your friends, family, organization, and fellow protestors

Contact us at contact@acluohio.org for requests

Become a card-carrying member

    • Visit ACLUOhio.org/membership

Find Action Alerts + join the Action Team

    • https://www.acluohio.org/act

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

INSTAGRAM�@ACLUOH

BLUESKY�@ACLUOHIO.BSKY.SOCIAL‬

FACEBOOK�@ACLUOH

TIKTOK�@ACLUOHIO

Action Alerts ● Legislative News ● Events ● Resources

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Questions?