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Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘No Kings' protests: What NY protesters can and can't do legally
Protests have erupted across the country, including in New York City and throughout the rest of the state in recent weeks and months, as people opposed to actions by the Trump administration air their frustrations. Demonstrations will continue this weekend as "No Kings" protests are planned in over 1,500 U.S. cities, including more than 90 in New York state. Here's what New York protest attendees should know ahead of the June 14 rallies. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I Section 8 of the New York State Constitution protects freedom of speech, assembly, and petition. While not an exhaustive list, here are a few rules New York protestors must follow, according to the NYCLU: You can protest peacefully on areas of public property known as "traditional public forums" like a street, sidewalk or park. You can't block access to government buildings or interfere with government business. You can protest on your own private property or the private property of others with the owner's consent. You can't obstruct pedestrian traffic or building entrances. You can hand out flyers and leaflets on public sidewalks and in public parks. You can't hold signs that are affixed to wooden, plastic or metal poles. You can photograph or film police or protest activity in plain view as long as it's not interfering with police activity. You can't physically disrupt counter protests. Law enforcement is allowed to separate antagonistic groups and can direct you to move to the side of the street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons if you don't have a permit. If you are stopped by police while protesting, the ACLU provides additional guidance on what to do, such as not resisting arrest and your right to hire an attorney. See locations and map: 'No Kings' protests planned across NY on June 14 Over 90 "No Kings" protests are planned for Saturday, June 14, across New York state as millions across the country are expected to take part in a "nationwide day of defiance." According to the No Kings website, the nationwide protest has been organized to "(reject) authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy." The protests are aligned with President Donald Trump's June 14 military parade in Washington D.C., which is set to honor the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, organizers said. June 14 is also Flag Day and Trump's 79th birthday. But the protests are intended to be peaceful as a note at the bottom of the website states the No Kings events are "a commitment to nonviolent action." More: Protesting? You might want to leave your phone at home "We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events," the note continues. "Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events." For more information and to see a map of locations of where protests will be held, visit Emily Barnes on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network's New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 'No Kings' protests: What NY protesters can and can't do legally
Newsweek
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Pictures Show Anti-Trump Protests Across U.S, When Is Next Event Planned?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the U.S. on May Day to protest President Donald Trump's policies during his first 100 days in office. The wave of protests were part of the decentralized, grassroots "50501" movement, named for "50 protests, 50 states, one day," with events organized by independent volunteers across the country. Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email on Friday. Why It Matters Since taking office in January, Trump has pursued an aggressive agenda that includes hard-line immigration policies, mass deportation efforts, deep cuts to education and public services, and actions critics say threaten core democratic institutions. The newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has also sparked anger by overseeing the slashing of key federal programs with little transparency or oversight. The scale of the May Day protests indicate widespread public concern and discontent about these policies. Cindy Leung holds a sign protesting President Donald Trump at the NYCLU's May Day rally for worker's and immigrants rights at Foley Square, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in New York. Cindy Leung holds a sign protesting President Donald Trump at the NYCLU's May Day rally for worker's and immigrants rights at Foley Square, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in New York. Angelina Katsanis/AP Photo What To Know On May Day, when battles for rights by workers are celebrated around the globe, demonstrators took to the streets to protest against various Trump policies. Many carried placards calling out a lack of due process during mass deportations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) overreach. Some posters referenced Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, the Maryland father who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March, who Trump has said he has no intention of bringing back. Others pointed to a perception of a slide toward authoritarianism, with signs referencing the U.S. Constitution and brandishing slogans like "No Kings" to denounce the president's increasingly unchecked use of executive power. Musk, Trump's powerful ally, was also targeted by protesters, many decrying the influence of billionaires on the government. The crowds comprised anti-Trump protesters as well as labor groups who traditionally march on May Day. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont spoke at a rally in Philadelphia on Thursday, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared at one in New York City. The last wave of protests under the "50501" movement took place in April. What People Are Saying The "50501" organizers wrote on their website: "Our movement shows the world that the American working class will not sit idly by as plutocrats rip apart their democratic institutions and civil liberties while undermining the rule of law." Sen. Bernie Sanders, appearing at an event in Philadelphia, said: "I'm here in Pennsylvania to tell any member of the Pennsylvania delegation that if they vote for tax breaks for billionaires and cut Medicaid, nutrition and education, we are gonna throw them out of their jobs." What Happens Next The next round of "50501" protests have already been scheduled for June 14, suggesting organizers plan to continue leveraging the momentum of the movement and to continue applying pressure on the Trump administration.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NYCLU report sparks concerns about privacy and drone usage, officials say it's a tool
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) issued a lengthy report this month, sounding the alarm over what they describe as prying eyes in the form of hyper-invasive drones that they say could be used by law enforcement to potentially spy on New Yorkers. The report shows well over 800 active drones registered by government agencies across the state, representing a 65% increase in two years, a majority of which are used by law enforcement. 'We see misuse, deploying these drones at protests,' said Daniel Schwarz, a privacy and technology strategist with the NYCLU. 'We see new features being deployed, new forms of surveillance technologies, whether that's facial recognition or combining these drones with other forms of audio recognition.' The drones can be fitted with biometric surveillance capabilities like facial recognition, emotion recognition, or even behavior detection, all features that the NYCLU says could infringe on the privacy rights of New Yorkers. 'It is no longer just a photo that is being taken,' Schwarz said, 'but rather, once the data is aggregated over time, it allows to track everybody's movement and really understand where they go to work? What are their associations? Did they attend a certain protest? What health care sites do they frequent? What are their religious beliefs? What are their political beliefs?' The Niagara County Sheriff was more than willing to discuss how his agency uses its five drones, the second-most in Western New York. 'We use our drones for searches, missing people, tactical operation oversight, we've used them at fire scenes,' said Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti. 'They're a great tool, but that's exactly what they are, a tool, and you have to make sure you use them in the way that they're intended to be used.' Sheriff Filicetti took exception with the NYCLU report, calling it inflammatory and false. 'Any notion, again, going back to the civil liberties report, that 'we're spying on people,' I think it's really irresponsible to run a report without any data to back up what you're saying, that there's some gross misuse of drones and it's peering into people's private lives,' Filicetti said. 'I think it's very irresponsible.' When it comes to his agency, Filicetti says his policy is sound and protects the privacy rights of Niagara County citizens. He shared that policy with us, which states that the drones 'will be used in a manner that may intrude upon reasonable expectations of privacy. A search warrant will be obtained prior to conducting the flight.'Filicetti went on to tell WIVB News 4 that many of the added features the report referenced don't even apply to their drones, with the exception of thermal imaging which they use for targeted search efforts. 'Looking for a missing person, looking for a suspect that fled a vehicle, they leave a heat signature, and you'll be able to see them clear as day,' Filicetti said. 'Again, instead of searching all over, you can see, through thermal, and direct your people in to where they need to be. It's about public safety. If we can find that missing person faster using a drone, or we can apprehend that suspect that could be potentially dangerous to the public, I'm gonna use a drone all day long. I think it just makes sense.' While the focus of the report leaned heavily on law enforcement drone operations, police are not the only ones to register and use the drones. Twin City Ambulance is a private, commercial service that operates three drones. The company's president, Terence Clark says the drones have been used for special event planning, and at times to locate patients. 'Sometimes, we'll get conflicting reports where somebody is,' Clark said. 'And in a crowded situation you might be 10 or 15 feet away from a patient, unless somebody is waving their arms, you might not even know they're there.' When it comes to the NYCLU's report, Clark agreed with Filicetti that what was described in the report couldn't be further from what they're doing. 'A lot of fantasy,' Clark said. 'A lot of absurdity, in the ways that drones could be used that realistically would not be an effective use of drones and I think they missed the target with this article.' The Niagara County Sheriff's Office has the second most active, registered drones among law enforcement in Western New York, according to the NYCLU report, just behind the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. Rob Petree is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of his work by clicking here. Dan Telvock is an award-winning investigative producer and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nassau County wants to make it illegal to stand within 15 feet of cops — but critics say ‘buffer zone' is unconstitutional
Nassau County lawmakers want to make it illegal to stand within 15 feet of cops and other emergency workers — but critics say the 'buffer zone' would be unconstitutional. Civilians who enter the 'zone' for police, firefighters and other first responders during an emergency would be slapped with a misdemeanor and a $1,000 fine — with the possibility of up to a year behind bars, according to a new bill introduced by Republicans in the county Board of Legislators. The goal of the bill aims to protect emergency responders from 'threats, harassment, and physical interference' while on the job, according to lawmakers. 'It is important that first responders are not obstructed during emergency situations and that our frontline heroes are allowed to engage in the lifesaving actions they are trained to perform without distractions,' Legislator John Ferretti said. The proposed law has bipartisan support from some Democrats, including Seth Koslow, who is running for county executive against Republican incumbent Bruce Blakeman. 'Our cops and first responders shouldn't have to fight crowds while they're saving lives,' Koslow told The Post. 'This bill gives them the authority to keep chaos out and do their jobs without interference. It's backed by both parties — because protecting those who protect us shouldn't be political.' State law already punishes people who interfere with first responders with up to a year in jail, three years of probation, or a $1,000 fine. But the county's 15-foot buffer goes a step farther, blocking anyone from even walking near an emergency worker — a distinction that riled critics, who said it could easily be abused. 'Floating buffer zones offer yet another way for police to keep their activities hidden from public scrutiny,' Justin Harrison, senior policy counsel at the NYCLU, told The Post. 'Laws that make it harder to monitor the police don't make anybody safer — in reality, they violate the Constitution, run counter to government transparency principles, and foster distrust in law enforcement.' Harrison referenced other states that have passed, and then blocked, similar laws throughout the country. Louisiana passed a law last year banning people from getting within 25 feet of police after being told to back up — but a federal judge blocked it last month, ruling it violated the 14th Amendment's due process regulations and could infringe on a reporter's First Amendment right to film officers and gather news. Similar laws in Arizona and Indiana have also been struck down by federal judges. 'We expect that Nassau's law, if passed, will meet the same fate,' Harrison said.
New York Post
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Nassau County wants to make it illegal to stand within 15 feet of cops — but critics say ‘buffer zone' is unconstitutional
Nassau County lawmakers want to make it illegal to stand within 15 feet of cops and other emergency workers — but critics say the 'buffer zone' would be unconstitutional. Civilians who enter the 'zone' for police, firefighters and other first responders during an emergency would be slapped with a misdemeanor and a $1,000 fine — with the possibility of up to a year behind bars, according to a new bill introduced by Republicans in the county Board of Legislators. The goal of the bill aims to protect emergency responders from 'threats, harassment, and physical interference' while on the job, according to lawmakers. Advertisement 3 Civilians who enter the 'zone' for police, firefighters and other first responders during an emergency would be slapped with a misdemeanor and a $1,000 fine. Gabriella Bass 'It is important that first responders are not obstructed during emergency situations and that our frontline heroes are allowed to engage in the lifesaving actions they are trained to perform without distractions,' Legislator John Ferretti said. The proposed law has bipartisan support from some Democrats, including Seth Koslow, who is running for county executive against Republican incumbent Bruce Blakeman. Advertisement 'Our cops and first responders shouldn't have to fight crowds while they're saving lives,' Koslow told The Post. 'This bill gives them the authority to keep chaos out and do their jobs without interference. It's backed by both parties — because protecting those who protect us shouldn't be political.' State law already punishes people who interfere with first responders with up to a year in jail, three years of probation, or a $1,000 fine. 3 John Ferretti holds up art work his children made to sen to the health care workers and first responders as he announced 'Letter to Our Heroes' March 30, 2020 Levittown, NY. Dennis A. Clark But the county's 15-foot buffer goes a step farther, blocking anyone from even walking near an emergency worker — a distinction that riled critics, who said it could easily be abused. Advertisement 'Floating buffer zones offer yet another way for police to keep their activities hidden from public scrutiny,' Justin Harrison, senior policy counsel at the NYCLU, told The Post. 'Laws that make it harder to monitor the police don't make anybody safer — in reality, they violate the Constitution, run counter to government transparency principles, and foster distrust in law enforcement.' Harrison referenced other states that have passed, and then blocked, similar laws throughout the country. 3 Seth Koslow stands with a coalition of Nassau County legislators and top civil rights attorneys on Feb. 5, 2025 in Mineola, New York. Newsday via Getty Images Louisiana passed a law last year banning people from getting within 25 feet of police after being told to back up — but a federal judge blocked it last month, ruling it violated the 14th Amendment's due process regulations and could infringe on a reporter's First Amendment right to film officers and gather news. Advertisement Similar laws in Arizona and Indiana have also been struck down by federal judges. 'We expect that Nassau's law, if passed, will meet the same fate,' Harrison said.
