Before You Protest: A Nationwide Guide to Staying Safe, Smart, and Unshakable on April 5

Heading to a “Hands Off!” protest this Saturday? Here’s everything you need to know — your rights, safety tips, and what to do if arrested.

On Saturday, April 5, people across the United States will gather for a coordinated day of resistance. From major cities to small towns, the “Hands Off!” protests are about drawing a hard line — against political overreach, creeping authoritarianism, and policies that strip away our rights and dignity.

Whether you’re marching in New York City, Dallas, Chicago, or a rural square in Nebraska, your presence matters. So does your preparation.

Here’s your nationwide guide to showing up — and staying safe while doing it.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (AND WRITE THEM ON YOUR ARM)

Before you arrive:
Write the local legal support hotline number on your arm in permanent marker. In many cities, National Lawyers Guild (NLG) chapters will operate hotlines and send legal observers.

• Say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer.”

• Ask: “Am I being detained or am I free to go?”

  • If detained, remain silent.

  • If not, walk away calmly.

Legal observers (often in green hats/vests) are there to document police behavior — not to represent you legally. You can notify them if you witness abuse or misconduct.

WHAT TO BRING

Pack like you’re staying awhile and planning for anything:

• Water and snacks

• Face mask, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen

• Phone with passcode lock (NOT Face ID/fingerprint)

• External battery pack

• Cash (for food, transit, emergencies)

• Printed emergency contacts

• Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing

• Goggles or saline drops (in case of tear gas, depending on region)

Don’t bring:

• Weapons (or anything that could be construed as one)

• Illegal substances

• Anything you wouldn’t want seized or photographed by law enforcement

STAY SAFE, STAY CALM, STAY NON-VIOLENT

1. Stick together. Stay with your group. Have a plan if separated.

2. Avoid confrontation. Ignore counter-protesters and agitators.

3. Film what matters. You have the legal right to record public events, including police activity — but don’t interfere.

4. De-escalate when possible. Your goal is to be heard, not baited.

5. Watch your surroundings. Know where you are and how to exit if needed.

If arrested:

• Don’t resist.

• Don’t talk beyond name and birthdate.

• Wait for a lawyer.

• Don’t sign anything without legal counsel.

PROTECT YOUR DATA

Phones are tools — and vulnerabilities.

• Turn off Face ID and fingerprint unlock. Use a passcode.

• Consider airplane mode during risky moments.

• Back up photos/videos or use live stream apps like Instagram or Twitch to preserve footage.

• Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal.

RESOURCES BY REGION

While every city differs, these national orgs often have local chapters or partners at major protests:

• National Lawyers Guild: nlg.org

• ACLU: aclu.org/know-your-rights

• Mutual Aid Networks: Search “[Your City] Mutual Aid”

• Bail Funds Directory: bailfunds.github.io

• Legal Hotlines: Often listed on local protest pages or announced by organizers day-of

TRANSPORT + ACCESSIBILITY

• Plan ahead: Some roads and transit lines may close or reroute.

• Carpool or take transit when possible.

• If you need ADA accommodations, contact local organizers in advance or ask staff at arrival points.

THIS IS BIGGER THAN A MARCH

This isn’t just a protest. It’s a warning flare — and a promise. That we won’t stand by while our rights are stripped. That we won’t let apathy win. That we see what’s happening — and we’re not afraid to raise hell, peacefully and powerfully.

So come prepared.
Come together.
And don’t let them scare you into silence.

Stay safe. Stay loud.

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