Video by Lexis-Olivier Ray for L.A. TACO

The NLG will keep supporting people who join our chapters to become Legal Observers, as well as those who volunteer with local ICE watch groups, self-organize protest monitor initiatives, and spontaneously begin documenting cops when they witness their violence. We keep us safe.

We are proud of our Legal Observers who are out in the streets, documenting and witnessing abuse by federal and state agents, even when they themselves risk that same abuse.

- General Risk Assessment:
-- Proximity to federal agents is a huge factor
-- Statute is very broad
-- You have the right to document, speak, associate, gather, and dissent!
-- Know your risks when interacting with law enforcement

To convict under subsection (a)(1), the government must show beyond a reasonable doubt that an individual:
(1) Forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, OR interferes
WITH
(2) A federal agent
WHILE
(3) They are engaged in, OR on account of, the performance of official duties.

Despite video evidence contradicting CBP’s story, federal prosecutors obtained an indictment against her for a felony under this statute. They dismissed the case in November 2025.

In October 2025, a woman in Chicago was documenting CBP agents after they had completed a removal operation. After she allegedly followed the agents’ car in her own car, the agents rammed their vehicle into hers, cursed at her, and shot at her.

The prosecutors charged him with a misdemeanor under this statute and took the case to trial. After trial, a jury found him not guilty in November 2025.

In August 2025, a man in D.C. tossed a sandwich that landed on a CBP agent. A federal grand jury refused to indict him on a felony under this statute.

Understanding this law can help assess risks as you take action in support of immigrants!

The schedule of CLEs, major panels, workshops, receptions, plenaries, and special events is coming soon--stay tuned for updates. Register early for discounted rates!

With civil rights leaders and activists George Crockett, Jr., Bob Millender, and Claudia Morcom, Ernest went on to found Goodman, Eden, Crockett, Millender, and Bedrosian, the first racially integrated law firm in the country.

Two of these attorneys, Maurice Sugar and Ernest Goodman, began the Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice, a Detroit law firm, that was active in defending workers and their unions, such as the United Auto Workers, and representing Black people who were being harassed by the police.

Detroit attorneys were among the founding members of the NLG in 1937.

You may have heard about our comrades in the National Lawyers Guild Detroit & Michigan Chapter who gave us the evergreen reminder about shutting the f*ck up when interacting with police.

Each year, the NLG convenes our members and allies nationwide to make decisions about our governance and organizational policies, engage in political education and legal skills building, and discuss issues pertinent to the movements we serve.

This holiday season, honor someone special in your life who fights the good fight and give the NLG a donation in their honor! This is an opportunity to show someone you understand their values, and the organizations that are important to them, so do not hesitate!