How to Stay Safe

Protect Yourself

Safety Tips for Drivers

  • Do not flee.  (They will follow.)
  • Call Immigrant Defense Network (IDN) hotline – 612-255-3112.
  • Report the incident to the IDN hotline using the “1st Salute” method.  (More info below).
  • Begin recording actions and conversation on your phone.
  • With the car doors locked, lower the car window very slightly, only enough to allow conversation.
  • Ask the agent(s), “Why am I being stopped?”  Ask repeatedly and politely.  Answer every question with another question. Note:  Proof of citizenship is not required except at the border “port of entry.”
  • If they claim to have a warrant, ask them to hold it up to the outside of the car window in a manner that makes it readable to those inside the vehicle and to display it long enough for them to adequately evaluate it.
  • Then, determine whether the warrant is an official judicial warrant to which the named person must comply.  Or an administrative warrant that lacks any authority.
  • Do not lie.  Lying to a federal agent is a felony.
  • Do not become hostile because that constitutes a federal offense.
  • Never assault an officer – they have every right to defend themselves.

Safety Tips for Observers

Use the SALUTE method for reporting incidents, recommended by Immigrant Defence Network and Monarca  Upstander Constitutional Observer training:

  • Size and Strength
  • Actions & Activity
  • Locations and Directions
  • Uniform and Clothing
  • Time and Date
  • Equipment and Weapons

Secure Your Phone, Apps, and Personal Data

Avoid Phone Surveillance In Emergency Situations

  • Airplane Mode: Turn this on immediately to disable cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
  • Location Services: Disable all location tracking in your phone’s privacy settings.
  • Power Down: Turning the device off is the most secure method, as it prevents transmission of location data.
  • Physical Security: Keep the device locked with a strong alphanumeric password, not just biometrics, to prevent law enforcement from accessing it.

Essential Settings Adjustments

  • Disable “Find My” Services: Turn off “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” to stop real-time location broadcasting.
  • App Permissions: Audit and revoke location permissions for all non-essential apps.
  • Stop Data Sharing: Turn off usage and diagnostic data reporting in your phone’s privacy settings.

Operational Security 

  • Faraday Bag: Use a specialized bag that blocks all radio signals, so the phone stays with you without sending tracking signals.
  • Burner/Secondary Phone: Use a prepaid, cash-purchased phone and avoid logging in to your primary Google or Apple accounts.
  • Disable Biometrics: Turn off fingerprint or facial recognition, which can be forced, in favor of a PIN/password.
  • Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Do not connect to public networks, which can be used to track or hack devices.

Protect Yourself On Signal

Signal has faced security concerns, not typically from core encryption being broken, but from social engineering (like phishing for linked devices via malicious QR codes), metadata exposure, and potential local device vulnerabilities (like accessing unencrypted data on a computer), making user vigilance crucial, especially for sensitive communication, as attackers target the platform due to its high-profile use.

  • Enable Registration Lock: Prevents account hijacking by requiring a PIN. Click here for directions
  • Be Wary of Links/QR Codes: Don’t scan unknown QR codes; scrutinize links carefully.
  • Keep App Updated: Install updates promptly to patch known issues.
  • Secure Your Devices: Use strong passwords, full-disk encryption, and lock screens.
  • Turn Off Link Previews: A security precaution suggested in past reports. Click here for directions