OPPOSING THE INSURRECTION ACT

What is the Insurrection Act?

The Insurrection Act authorizes the president to deploy military forces inside the United States to suppress rebellion or domestic violence or to enforce the law in certain situations. The statute implements Congress’s authority under the Constitution to “provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions.” It is the primary exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, under which federal military forces are generally barred from participating in civilian law enforcement activities.
Although it is often referred to as the “Insurrection Act of 1807,” the law is actually an amalgamation of different statutes enacted by Congress between 1792 and 1871. Today, these provisions occupy Sections 251 through 255 in Title 10 of the United States Code.
[1]

OPPOSING THE INSURRECTION ACT: SOME SUGGESTIONS

[From Gemini Pro & Google Sheets, edited by Jeffrey Diver]

[2]

The Insurrection Act

does not suspend the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. The following list outlines twelve actionable ways citizens can oppose the imposition of the Act, ranging from political pressure to community defense.
Ordinary citizens retain their rights to speech, assembly, and due process.

[Click to focus & enlarge table images]

Since the era of DOGE & Musk, digital safety should be your priority.

Don’t follow Pete Hegseth’s lousy example!

Be extremely aware of how & what you communicate.

Note: Always carry the number of a legal aid fund written on your arm in marker (in case your phone is taken)

SET UP A BUILDING OR NEIGHBORHOOD “POD”

Total credit for this idea to Google Pro! I never heard of this sort of organizing.

Part 1: How to Set Up a "Neighborhood Pod"
A "pod" is a hyper-local support network (usually 5–30 households) that operates independently of government supply lines. The goal is ensuring no neighbor is left isolated if services are cut or movement is restricted.
Step 1: Define Your Zone

Keep it small: Do not try to organize a whole city. Pick a single city block, one apartment building, or a cul-de-sac.
Map it: physically draw a map of the units or houses in your zone. Mark who you know and who you don't.

Step 2: Recruit "Point People"

Don't do it alone. Find 1–2 neighbors you trust to help administer the group. These are your "Area Captains."
Action: Create a simple flyer (e.g., "Hi, I'm [Name] from [Apt 4B]. We are starting a neighbor support group to help each other if things get tough. Text me at [Number] to join.") and slip it under doors.

Step 3: Build the Directory (The "Intake") When neighbors respond, use a secure spreadsheet or physical notebook to track two things for each person:

NEEDS: (e.g., "I am diabetic and need insulin refrigeration," "I have a baby," "I am elderly and cannot drive.")
OFFERS: (e.g., "I have a generator," "I have a stocked first aid kit," "I can cook large meals.")

Step 4: Establish a Communication Channel

Tech Option: Create a Signal group chat for the block. (Avoid WhatsApp or Facebook; they are easier for authorities to monitor).
Low-Tech Option: Create a Phone Tree. If the internet is cut, Person A calls Persons B and C. Person B calls D and E, etc.
No-Tech Option: Agree on a visual signal. (e.g., A red piece of paper taped in the window means "I need help immediately.")

Step 5: Operational Drill

Once set up, do a "wellness check" run. Ensure everyone knows who their closest "buddy" is. If the Insurrection Act is invoked, the first step is for every member to check on their assigned buddy.

Part 2: Digital Scrubbing Checklist

If you are attending a protest or fear your home may be raided, your phone is the primary witness against you. Secure it before you leave your house.
I. The "Hardening" Phase (Do this at home)

[ ] Disable Biometrics: Turn off FaceID and Fingerprint unlock.Why: Legally, courts can compel you to provide a fingerprint/face scan. It is much harder for them to force you to reveal a passcode.
[ ] Set a Strong Passcode: Switch from a 4-digit PIN to a 6-digit PIN or, ideally, an alphanumeric password.
[ ] Turn Off Lock Screen Notifications: Go to Settings and ensure messages/emails do not display text on your screen when locked.Why: Police can read your incoming texts without ever unlocking your phone.
[ ] Enable Full Disk Encryption: Modern iPhones do this by default when a passcode is set. Android users should check Settings > Security > Encryption.
[ ] Back Up & Delete: Back up your photos/contacts to a secure cloud or hard drive, then delete sensitive apps (banking, social media logged in) from the device you are taking with you.

II. The "Clean Comms" Phase

[ ] Install Signal: Use it for all coordination.
[ ] Enable Disappearing Messages: Set messages to delete automatically after 1 hour or 24 hours.
[ ] Registration Lock: In Signal settings, enable "Registration Lock" so police cannot spoof your number to log into your account on another device.

III. On the Ground (During action)

[ ] Airplane Mode: Keep your phone in Airplane Mode when not actively using it to prevent cell-tower triangulation of your location.
[ ] Photos/Video: Launch your camera from the lock screen. Do not unlock your phone to take pictures.
[ ] Emergency Contacts: Write the phone number of a legal aid group or a trusted lawyer on your arm in permanent marker. If you are arrested, your phone will be taken immediately.

IF/WHEN YOU ARE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

When dealing with federal agents or military personnel acting in a law enforcement capacity, your words are your primary shield. You cannot talk your way out of an arrest, but you can talk your way into a conviction.

Here are the specific scripts to use and the behavioral protocols to follow.

Table 1: The Verbal Script (What to Say vs. What to Swallow)