Preparing for Encounters with Law Thugs During a Peaceful Protest

Protests are a cornerstone of democratic societies and are protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. While some demonstrations remain peaceful, current events show that even lawful gatherings can devolve into confrontations with agencies such as ICE, Border Patrol, FBI and local police.

U.S. Congress Member Adelita Grijalva (CD-7) was pepper-sprayed during an ICE raid in Tucson on December 5, 2025.

Preparation helps demonstrators safeguard their health, assert their rights, and reduce the likelihood of incarceration. First and foremost, keep a “go-bag” ready to deploy instantly. Violent encounters aren’t scheduled, and public notices aren’t posted.

Know Your Legal Rights

This can’t be emphasized enough. Familiarize yourself with constitutional rights and protections that apply to public assemblies. Have groups you attend conduct meetings covering your rights. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed the right to peaceful assembly (e.g., Edwards v. South Carolina, 1963) and the prohibition against Unreasonable searches and seizures (Terry v. Ohio, 1968).

Understanding these precedents empowers participants to recognize unlawful conduct by officers and

to respond calmly rather than reactively. Carry a concise handout summarizing key rights:

• The right to record police activity.
• The right to remain silent.
• The limits of stop-and-frisk procedures.

Do not carry important documents on smartphones. It will almost certainly be confiscated and its contents used against you. In today’s police state environment in the United States, be prepared for federal and local agents to shred the Constitution and spit on it.

Clothing and Gear

• Layered, breathable attire allows quick removal if chemical agents are deployed. Always wear long-sleeve tops and full-length pants to protect against skin irritation. A hat will also afford protection against tear gas and pepper gases and hinder identification.
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes reduce the risk of injury during crowd movement and provide traction on wet or uneven surfaces. Flip-flops, sandals and clogs are NOT recommended. You may lose them and be forced to run barefooted.
• Eye protection goggles to shield against tear-gas and/or flash-bang munitions, which can cause corneal irritation. Do not use ventilated safety glasses, as tear gas and/or pepper spray can reach your eyes. The best bet is an inexpensive pair of swim or diving goggles. Never wear contact lenses.

Personal Safety Items

• Medical kits containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, and adhesive tape to address minor cuts before they become infected. Small groups of 3 to 6 should designate one person to carry major medical supplies, while others carry personal supplies.
• Hydration packs prevent dehydration, especially when crowds are forced to stand for prolonged periods. This can’t be emphasized enough. It may seem silly, but invest in a backpack hydration system. Avoid Amazon as much as possible. Try local Mom-and-Pop sporting goods stores.

De-escalation Techniques

Training in non-violent communication and body language helps signal non-threatening intent. Simple actions—keeping hands visible, maintaining a calm tone, and avoiding sudden movements—can reduce the perception of threat and deter aggressive police responses.

However, in today’s belligerent law-enforcement atmosphere, where federal agents act violently, illegally, and unconstitutionally as a matter of course, it’s best to adopt the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared.” Never carry firearms. Even in an open carry state, firearms scare cowardly ICE agents into a “shoot first, ask questions later” posture.

Chemical Counter-Measures

Federal ICE agencies often employ crowd-control chemicals such as CS (tear gas) or OC (pepper spray). Ostensibly, the goal is to avoid confrontation, but having basic protective measures can mitigate your exposure:

• Respiratory Protection: P100 or higher-rated masks filter particulate irritants and reduce inhalation of tear-gas aerosols. Note that standard filters such as 3M 6003/07047 AAD (P95) are ineffective against these agents. You must have filters rated P100 or better. The next level, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear), is prohibitively expensive. DO NOT buy cheap CBRN filters.
• Eye Wash Solutions: Portable saline eye-wash bottles allow rapid flushing of irritants from the eyes, minimizing lasting damage. This is where a backpack hydration system is useful for washing out eyes, nose, mouth and skin. Do not wear contact lenses to protests where chemical agents may be deployed.
• Skin Barriers: Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the nose, mouth, and eyes creates a temporary barrier that slows the absorption of chemicals.

Teargas and pepper spray hurt but won’t kill unless you have health issues. Focus on the pain of those being beaten, arrested, incarcerated, deported, disappeared and otherwise harmed by the thugs. Always remember, “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

Practical Checklist

• Printed rights handout — Educate participants, reference during encounters
• P100 respirator + safety goggles — Protect against tear-gas/pepper-spray
• Personal medical kit + eye-wash bottle — Immediate treatment of minor injuries and chemicals
• Hydration Hydration pack — Prevent dehydration, useful to wash off chemicals
• Long sleeve/long leg, layered clothing —  Facilitate rapid removal if chemicals are used

Preparation does not equate to provocation; rather, it reflects a commitment to personal safety and the preservation of civil liberties. By combining legal knowledge, sensible physical gear, and basic chemical defenses, protesters can better navigate the unpredictable dynamics of public demonstrations.

History demonstrates that well-prepared participants experience fewer injuries and are more likely to maintain the peaceful character of their protest, thereby reinforcing the very democratic principles they seek to uphold.