Joining the No Kings protests today? Here are 5 steps to stay safe PLUS one VERY important rule of thumb

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The No Kings protests are a series of protests planned nationwide in the United States for today.  As a whole, the protests seek to demonstrate against Donald Trump ‘s blatant disregard for the rule of law.

The Lowdown

First things first people, your cell phone is the most important thing here.  Do not under any circumstances leave your phone in anything but airplane mode if you must bring it with you.  This is to prevent your cellphone from being tracked.  If you are attending these protests, it is important to remember that Donald Trump retaliates and if they can find you —- that may not end well so you must take the cautions to protect yourself.

There’s your rule of thumb. 

The above is critical because if by chance a court ordered subpeona is issued in regards to those who attended protests — this could put you and your loved ones in jeopardy.   Donald Trump has already promised a ‘forceful response’ to any protests for the upcoming military parade.

2. If you must bring a phone….

If you must bring a phone your best bet is to turn your face ID and ALL BIOMETRICS OFF.  THIS IS BECAUSE A POLICE OFFICER OR OTHER CANNOT FORCE YOU TO OPEN YOUR PHONE IF YOU USE A PASSCODE OR NUMERICAL PASSWORD. THEY CAN *ONLY* DO SO IF YOU HAVE BIOMETRICS ENABLED.

*Again if you must bring your cell phone you can also simply turn it off to prevent it from connecting to nearby cell towers that would otherwise create a digital trail for authorities to know where you’ve been.

3. A warning about airplane mode.

Airplane mode only works if it actually remains in airplane mode the entire time.   If by chance your cellphone reconnects it will then trigger the cell towers to pick up your connection.  This is why it is important that if you do not need your phone leave it in the car parked several blocks away. 

It is important that if you are driving to the protests park several blocks away. This is so that your license plate is not picked up anywhere near the protests and therefore your car and identity is safe.

4. Wear a mask if you don’t do nothing else WEAR A MASK!!!

As evidenced by the likes of Mahmoud Khalil,  Americans have a front row seat to what the Trump Administration intends to do to protesters or those who go against its regime.  We used Khalil as an example as he is currently detained for his views on Palestine and protesting the war in Gaza.

A mask is important here because of facial recognition software and photographs being taken of protests.  Always obscure your face to prevent detection by such avenues.  This is to protect you and whoever you went to these protests with from being later picked up by authorities because they simply used facial recognition and found you and the protest crew on Facebook.

5. THIS ONE IS SORT OF OBVIOUS….

If you must take photographs UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES should you blur out any and all faces and any visibly identifying tattoos. 

Remember it is your constitutional right to peacefully protest.