Civil liberties advocates warn that individuals participating in the upcoming mass protest, dubbed “No Kings,” against the Trump administration may face potential surveillance by federal authorities using advanced technology like facial recognition and phone interception.
Organizers of the “No Kings” demonstrations anticipate gatherings in 2,600 locations nationwide, with variations in surveillance tactics depending on the specific location and the local law enforcement agencies present, according to Thorin Klosowski from the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Critics argue that under previous administrations, monitoring of peaceful protests was common and obstructive to free speech. Ryan Shapiro from Property of the People expressed concerns, stating that the current administration’s stance on dissent poses a grave threat to American democracy.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing Trump’s immigration policies, is reported to have a range of surveillance tools at its disposal, including the use of MQ-9 Predator drones and high-definition cameras during protests.
While federal agencies like ICE maintain that they respect First Amendment rights, concerns arise as local police departments also employ technologies like facial recognition, subject to varying state regulations.
Legal experts suggest that government surveillance technologies often lack sufficient oversight, raising fears of potential infringements on constitutional rights. The Trump administration’s dismissal of certain Homeland Security personnel has further fueled apprehensions about unchecked surveillance practices.
Critics argue that the administration’s rhetoric labeling protesters as extremists and terrorists without evidence heightens anxieties among demonstrators and observers. Questions remain regarding the extent of planned surveillance at the upcoming “No Kings” protests.
Democratic lawmakers have pressed for transparency on surveillance methods used at protests, but the Trump administration has been reluctant to disclose such details, raising suspicions about their intentions.
As the “No Kings” protests draw near, intelligence centers have reportedly taken notice, with some centers planning additional monitoring and intelligence gathering at various protest sites. The National Fusion Center Association refrained from commenting directly on plans for the protests but pointed to guidelines for law enforcement agencies handling events protected by the First Amendment.