Direct Action Roles
Direct Action Roles
Section titled “Direct Action Roles”When multiple responders arrive at a scene, coordination becomes critical. These roles help organize larger groups for effective, safe response.
Documentarian
Section titled “Documentarian”Extended documentation duties beyond basic recording.
Risk Levels
Section titled “Risk Levels”| Action | Risk |
|---|---|
| Take pictures or video from a safe distance | Low |
| Post video to Facebook, go live and tag organizations | Medium |
| Get closer to agents to get badge information or ask questions | Low - High |
| Physically protect a documentarian trying to get closer | High |
Documentation Strategy
Section titled “Documentation Strategy”- Multiple documentarians can cover different angles
- One stays back for wide shots, another gets closer for details
- Coordinate who is livestreaming vs. recording for evidence
- Ensure at least one person’s footage is preserved (not just livestreamed)
Livestreaming Considerations
Section titled “Livestreaming Considerations”If you do livestream:
- Consider streaming to a trusted set of viewers (attorneys, legal observers) on a private channel
- Work with a partner to monitor comments and watch the periphery
- Avoid capturing faces of vulnerable individuals
- Be aware that platforms may delete videos after a set time period
Action Marshal
Section titled “Action Marshal”Coordinates group response and maintains energy.
Responsibilities
Section titled “Responsibilities”- Begin chants directed at officers
- Encourage others to participate safely
- Keep the action going by instructing volunteers
- When numbers permit, organize blockades or lines
Risk Levels
Section titled “Risk Levels”| Action | Risk |
|---|---|
| Begin chants at ICE officers | Medium |
| Get in faces of officers while chanting, encouraging others | Medium |
| Instruct other volunteers to make noise, participate in blockade | Medium |
| Be the first to create a blockade and give instructions to form a line | High |
Action Marshal Principles
Section titled “Action Marshal Principles”Lead by example:
- Be willing to do what you ask others to do
- Stay calm and confident
- Use clear, simple instructions
Read the crowd:
- Assess who is willing to participate at what level
- Don’t pressure people beyond their comfort
- Direct different activities to different risk tolerance
Manage energy:
- Keep momentum going with chants
- Rotate who is “front and center”
- Call breaks when needed
Sample Chants
Section titled “Sample Chants”- “Who do you protect? Who do you serve?”
- “Let them go! Let them go!”
- “Shame! Shame! Shame!”
- “The people united will never be defeated!”
- “Vecinos sí, Migra no!”
Safety Captain
Section titled “Safety Captain”Monitors safety and coordinates with the broader scene.
Responsibilities
Section titled “Responsibilities”- Walk the perimeter of the action
- Share information with neighbors who approach
- Use Signal to keep admins updated
- Watch for escalation signs
- Identify safety concerns
Risk Level
Section titled “Risk Level”Generally Low - operating at the edges of the action.
Safety Captain Checklist
Section titled “Safety Captain Checklist”Before/During:
- Identify all exits and escape routes
- Note location of nearest medical facilities
- Keep count of responders present
- Watch for counter-protesters or hostile observers
- Monitor agent behavior for escalation signs
- Keep communication with admin current
Escalation Signs:
- Agents calling for backup
- Formation changes (agents grouping up)
- Equipment changes (masks, weapons drawn)
- Aggressive verbal warnings
- Physical contact with observers
If Escalation Occurs:
- Alert action marshal immediately
- Begin helping people disengage safely
- Document the escalation
- Report to admin with details
Scaling Response by Numbers
Section titled “Scaling Response by Numbers”The more people on site, the more goals we can accomplish.
When First on Scene (1 person)
Section titled “When First on Scene (1 person)”- Call the hotline with SALUTE information
- If possible, communicate with the person being targeted
- Begin documentation
Two People
Section titled “Two People”- Divide: one calls/communicates, one documents
- Keep each other in sight
Three or More
Section titled “Three or More”- All of the above, plus:
- Begin coordinated action
- Noise (chants, whistles)
- Movement (getting in the way with a few bodies)
Five or More
Section titled “Five or More”- All of the above, plus:
- Consider blockade tactics (if appropriate to the situation)
- Surrounding the person being targeted (to prevent extraction)
- Surrounding the vehicle (to prevent departure)
Risk Levels for Non-Violent Actions
Section titled “Risk Levels for Non-Violent Actions”Green (Low Risk)
Section titled “Green (Low Risk)”Little to no legal or physical risk. Legal and permitted actions.
- Attending permitted rallies
- Holding signs or chanting
- Online advocacy
- Legal observing or jail support
Yellow (Moderate Risk)
Section titled “Yellow (Moderate Risk)”Risk of detainment, being cited/fined, or being asked to disperse.
- Sit-ins in public/private institutions
- Marching without a permit
- Brief street blockages
- Occupying space without property damage
Red (High Risk)
Section titled “Red (High Risk)”Participants may face arrest, physical harm, job loss, surveillance, or legal charges.
- Blocking traffic or major infrastructure
- Occupying government buildings
- Chaining oneself to a structure
- Protesting in defiance of a police order
Role Assignment
Section titled “Role Assignment”In larger responses, roles should be assigned before arrival when possible, or quickly designated on scene.
Quick Assignment:
“Okay, you’re on camera, you’re engaging with the family, I’ll take notes and update Signal. Who else is here? You - watch our backs and walk the perimeter.”
Everyone should know:
- What their role is
- Who else is present
- How to communicate
- When and how to leave