ACLU Supporter, the public has a constitutional right to know what our own government is up to. Yet right now, community members simply – and legally – recording immigration and law enforcement agents in public are being harassed and retaliated against.

Imagine exercising your legal right to film reckless federal agents in your community – then imagine those agents following you home and taunting you, or tackling you to the ground and arresting you. That's what's happening right now in Memphis, Newark, and other cities across the country.

It's chilling. But a new bill, the Right to Record Act, would protect our First Amendment rights from ICE and other federal law enforcement officers – giving people the ability to sue agents who violate our right to record their actions.

Tell Congress to pass the Right to Record Act and protect our ability to hold our government accountable.

We've seen the consequences of federal agents thinking they're above the law. Out-of-control agents have pepper-sprayed children, dragged families from their homes in zip ties, and shot and killed people. But without video recordings, the public may never know the truth – and wouldn't be able to demand justice.

Recording creates an independent record of what our government is up to. Agents going after people who record are clearly trying to intimidate community members out of exercising their First Amendment rights – which is why Congress needs to step in.

The Right to Record Act gives people a legal option if agents violate our First Amendment rights. It would make sure federal agents can't dodge transparency and public scrutiny. It makes sure that the government can't hide from the public – and it creates legal consequences for federal agents who try to.

Congress must enact this critical legislation to help enforce our First Amendment rights. Urge your lawmakers to support the Right to Record Act now.

With thanks for all you do,

Jenna Leventoff
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Senior Policy Counsel, ACLU