As protests erupt in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles in response to the policies of President Donald Trump, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has released crucial guidance for those looking to participate in peaceful demonstrations.
Entitled “Know Your Rights Advisory: Safely Participating in Peaceful Protests in Illinois,” the document is available on the Attorney General’s website.
This advisory aims to educate Illinois residents about their rights under the First Amendment while also outlining their responsibilities during protests.
In addition to the advisory for the public, Attorney General Raoul has issued a summary for local law enforcement to clarify essential provisions of the Illinois TRUST Act. This act prohibits local and state law enforcement from engaging in federal civil immigration enforcement activities.
“It is impossible to ignore the widespread injustice taking place around the nation at the direction of the Trump administration, and it is incumbent upon all of us to speak out and protest these egregious abuses of power,” said Raoul.
He emphasized the necessity for protesters to express their views peacefully and adhere to the laws that govern public demonstrations.
Raoul stated, “Acts of violence, destruction of property, and obstruction of law enforcement are unacceptable. Local law enforcement is responsible for addressing such acts.
Officers in Illinois have shown themselves to be capable of upholding the rights of the public while protecting free speech.
I encourage people to review the ‘Know Your Rights Advisory’ on my office’s website before participating in a demonstration.
This moment demands that we all use our voices in protest, but it is up to protesters and local law enforcement officers together to maintain public safety at such demonstrations.”
The advisory outlines that the right to free speech and peaceable assembly, as protected by the First Amendment, includes participation in protests, marches, and demonstrations.
However, it also notes that participants must do so peacefully and obey any applicable orders from law enforcement.
Violent actions such as destruction of property or trespassing on private property fall outside First Amendment protections.
Local law enforcement retains the authority to implement crowd management and traffic control measures when necessary.
Moreover, Attorney General Raoul reminds demonstrators that federal law prohibits assaulting, intimidating, or interfering with government officers performing their official duties, including during federal civil immigration enforcement operations.
The Illinois TRUST Act restricts local police from engaging in civil immigration enforcement. While officers can act to maintain order, they must honor every individual’s constitutional and civil rights.
It is expressly stated that officers cannot stop, arrest, or detain individuals based solely on their citizenship or immigration status.
The comprehensive resources provided by Attorney General Raoul can be found on his office’s website, giving the public further insight into their rights.
In light of possible rights violations, he advises anyone affected to remain calm, document any relevant incidents, and refrain from using force or resisting arrest.
Individuals who believe their rights or those of others have been violated, or those alleging violations of the TRUST Act by law enforcement, can reach out to the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau by calling 1-877-581-3692 or emailing [email protected].
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