Know Your Rights in Encounters with Law Enforcement and Military Troops

Washington, D.C. is in the middle of an emergency manufactured by President Donald Trump to expand his power and create fear in the nation’s capital.

On August 11, President Trump invoked a provision of the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973 and temporarily placed the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control for 30 days, saying he would allow the police to “do whatever the hell they want.” At the same time, he deployed nearly 1000 D.C. National Guard troops and almost as many federal law enforcement agents to patrol the streets. Since he declared this false emergency, Republican governors from six states have sent their National Guard troops to D.C. as well.

For the more than 700,000 people who call D.C. home — and the many more who visit the capital every day — the federal government’s militarized presence is impossible to ignore. Armed National Guard troops are stationed in metro stations, at parks, and on popular streets filled with bars and restaurants, costing taxpayers an estimated $1 million a day. Police checkpoints manned by unidentified federal agencies are popping up across the city, waiting to catch someone who doesn’t have a seatbelt on. Armored military vehicles run red lights and cause accidents in quiet neighborhoods, while heavily-armed, often masked federal agents violently arrest people who are immigrants, and people of color while refusing to identify themselves or provide any information to the bystanders trying to help.

Recently, The Washington Post reported that President Trump plans to deploy military troops and federal agents to Chicago this September, and he has threatened to do the same in Baltimore, New York City, Oakland, and San Francisco, disregarding state and local officials who have loudly proclaimed that this would be unwanted and unjustified.

At the ACLU, we are making clear to Congress that troops do not belong on our streets and urging Congress to pass the VISIBLE Act, which would ban federal agents from hiding their identities. We also know that no matter what agency someone is with—whether federal or local, law enforcement or the military—the Constitution constrains how government employees can treat us.

If you’re in a city where law enforcement or military troops are present, it’s important to know your rights. If you are stopped on the street, you may ask, “Am I free to go?” If the answer is “yes,” you are free to walk away. If arrested or detained, you have the right to remain silent. In certain circumstances, you can also refuse searches of your belongings or car. If you witness or document police or military activity, you generally have the right to record in public spaces as long as you do not interfere with law enforcement activity.

If asked about your immigration status, you can remain silent, though if you are not a U.S. citizen, the law may require you to carry with you and provide specific immigration documents for your specific immigration status when an immigration agent requests your immigration papers. If you do not have these papers or if you choose to remain silent regarding immigration or citizenship status, an immigration officer might detain you for longer to verify this information. There may also be immigration and other legal consequences if you make this choice. Never lie or present false documents.

The threats to our rights and safety are real, but so is our power and resilience. Knowing our rights is critical to how we hold power accountable. For a full list of your rights when stopped by law enforcement or military police in D.C., see our Know Your Rights resource or join us for a training on September 5.

The Supreme Court Declined a Protestors' Rights Case. Here's What You Need to Know.

The Supreme Court recently declined to hear a case, Mckesson v. Doe , that could have affirmed that the First Amendment protects protest organizers from being held liable for illegal actions committed by others present that organizers did not direct or intend. The high court’s decision to not hear the case at this time left in place an opinion by the Fifth Circuit, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, that said a protest organizer could be liable for the independent, violent actions of others based on nothing more than a showing of negligence. Across the country, many people have expressed concern about how the Supreme Court’s decision not to review, or hear, the case at this stage could impact the right to protest. The ACLU, which asked the court to take up the case, breaks down what the court’s denial of review means. What Happened in Mckesson v. Doe? The case, Mckesson v. Doe , was brought by a police officer against DeRay Mckesson , a prominent civil rights activi...

New video by T-Series on YouTube

Aila Re Aillaa (Video) Sooryavanshi | Akshay, Ajay, Ranveer, Katrina, Rohit | 5 November Presenting first song "Aila Re Aillaa " from the most awaited movie of the year "Sooryavanshi". The movie is staring Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh and Katrina Kaif in the lead role. The biggest party anthem of the year, this track "Aila Re Aillaa" is sung by Daler Mehndi and the Music Recreated by Tanishk Bagchi and the new lyrics are penned by Shabbir Ahmed. The song originally is composed by Pritam and penned by Nitin Raikwar. Reliance Entertainment, Rohit Shetty Picturez In association with Dharma Productions and Cape Of Good Films presents “Sooryavanshi”. Produced by: Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Rohit Shetty Directed by: Rohit Shetty Star Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh and Katrina Kaif. SONG CREDITS Song - Aila Re Aillaa Singer - Daler Mehndi Music Reworked by - Tanishk Bagchi Programmed and Arranged by -...

The Young Singaporean's Guide to Saving & Investing on a Small Salary (2025 Edition)

The Young Singaporean’s Guide to Saving and Investing on a Small Salary Introduction Living in Singapore can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting your career. Rents are high, kopi prices keep rising, and saving on a monthly salary of $2,500–$3,000 might seem impossible. Yet, many young Singaporeans have proven that with the right habits, even a small income can grow into long-term financial security. The key is to start early, be consistent, and leverage the tools available to you — especially CPF, robo-advisors, and smart budgeting. This guide breaks down practical steps you can take to save and invest, even if you’re earning on the lower side. 💰 1. Start with the Basics: Budgeting the 50/30/20 Way If you’re earning $2,800 a month (a common starting salary for many graduates), here’s how the 50/30/20 rule can be applied in Singapore: 50% Needs ($1,400) – rent, transport (MRT/Grab), phone bills, meals. 30% Want...

Search This Blog