Legal Observer Programs
Legal observers are trained volunteers who monitor government conduct during protests, demonstrations, and enforcement actions. Their presence deters misconduct and their documentation supports legal defense.
Your Role as an Observer
What Legal Observers Do
Legal observers serve as trained witnesses who monitor government conduct during protests, demonstrations, and immigration enforcement actions. Their presence can deter unconstitutional behavior and their documentation supports legal defense efforts.
Key Functions:
- • Witness and document government actions
- • Record badge numbers, vehicle plates, and timestamps
- • Note any use of force or rights violations
- • Connect activists with legal support infrastructure
- • Provide testimony for legal proceedings
- • Create contemporaneous records that can be used as evidence
National Lawyers Guild Legal Observer Program
The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) has run the Legal Observer program since 1968. NLG legal observers are recognizable by their distinctive green hats and provide trained witness presence at protests and other actions across the country.
About the NLG
The National Lawyers Guild is the oldest and largest progressive bar association in the United States. Their Mass Defense Program trains and coordinates legal observers nationwide, providing crucial support for First Amendment activities.
Major staffed chapters: NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Michigan, Massachusetts
How to Become a Legal Observer
Find Your Local NLG Chapter
Locate your nearest chapter at nlg.org/legalobservers/. Major staffed chapters include NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Michigan, and Massachusetts. No nearby chapter? Contact massdef@nlg.org.
Complete Vetting Process
You will need to sign confidentiality agreements. Background verification varies by chapter. This process ensures the integrity of the legal observer program and protects those being observed.
Attend Training
Trainings are held several times per year and cover legal rights, documentation methods, and safety protocols. Both local and regional trainings are available. Training is essential — you cannot serve as an NLG legal observer without it.
Connect to Local Infrastructure
Link with arrest hotlines, jail support teams, and bail funds in your area. Join communication networks so you can be deployed when needed. Understanding the local legal support ecosystem is crucial for effective observation.
Safety Guidelines for Observers
Critical Safety Rules:
- • Always use the buddy system — never observe alone
- • Wear identifying gear — NLG green hats are standard
- • Maintain distance from actions to observe clearly
- • Know your personal risk tolerance and limits
- • Do not participate in the action you are observing
- • Do not intervene physically — observe and document only
What to Document:
- • Exact time, date, and location
- • Badge numbers and agency identification
- • Vehicle descriptions and license plates
- • Number of officers/agents present
- • Any use of force or apparent rights violations
- • Statements made by officers
- • Names and contact info of other witnesses
- • Weather conditions and visibility
Immigration-Specific Observation
Organizations offer specialized training for observing immigration enforcement actions, which have unique legal considerations and community impacts.
MIRAC Trainings
The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) offers specialized ICE raid response trainings, teaching 100-200 participants per monthly session. These trainings have become a model for immigration-specific legal observation.
Training Covers:
- • Constitutional rights during immigration enforcement
- • Documentation best practices specific to ICE actions
- • Legal protocols for observers
- • Safety procedures in enforcement situations
- • Connecting families to resources after actions
Immigration Enforcement Context
Your Rights as an Observer
You CAN:
- • Observe and record in public spaces
- • Stand at a reasonable distance and watch
- • Take notes, photos, and video
- • Ask officers for their badge numbers
- • Inform people of their rights verbally
- • Remain silent if questioned
You CANNOT:
- • Physically interfere with officers
- • Block officers or vehicles
- • Touch or grab anyone
- • Give legal advice (only attorneys can)
- • Ignore lawful orders to move back
- • Participate in the action you're observing
First Amendment Protection
"The First Amendment protects the right to record law enforcement carrying out their public duties." — ACLU. As an observer, you are exercising this constitutional right. If told to stop filming, you may state: "I am exercising my right to document this." If told to move back, comply and continue documenting from the new location.
Training Resources
National Lawyers Guild
Primary source for legal observer training nationwide. Contact your local chapter or the national Mass Defense Program.
nlg.org/legalobservers/ACLU Know Your Rights
Rights materials for observers and general public. Available in multiple languages.
aclu.org/know-your-rightsImmigrant Defense Project
ICE raids response materials and community defense resources.
immigrantdefenseproject.orgCLINIC Rapid Response Toolkit
Comprehensive toolkit for community rapid response including legal observation protocols.
cliniclegal.org/toolkits/rapid-response-toolkitGet Started
Ready to Become a Legal Observer?
- 1. Visit nlg.org/legalobservers/ to find your local chapter
- 2. Contact them about upcoming trainings
- 3. Complete the vetting and training process
- 4. Connect with local rapid response networks
No NLG chapter nearby? Email massdef@nlg.org to ask about regional trainings or starting a chapter.