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Condensed Lesson Plan: Public Conduct During Immigration Enforcement

Learning Objectives (2)

1. Understand why non‑interference with federal officers is required during enforcement operations.
2. Identify safe, lawful methods for recording and reporting enforcement activity.

Learning Outcomes (2)

1. Participants will explain the risks and legal consequences of interfering with an arrest.
2. Participants will demonstrate how to document an incident safely and submit concerns through proper channels.

Lesson Sequence (2 per section)

1. Non‑Interference

• Interference endangers officers, subjects, and bystanders.
• Approaching or distracting officers during an arrest may violate federal or state law.

Examples

• Correct: Observing from a distance without engaging officers.
• Incorrect: Attempting to speak to the detained individual during the arrest.

2. Safe and Lawful Recording

• Recording is permitted if it does not obstruct operations.
• Maintain a safe distance and avoid blocking officer movement.

Examples

• Correct: Filming from across the street using zoom.
• Incorrect: Stepping into the arrest area to get a closer angle.

3. Recognizing Lawful vs. Questionable Conduct

• Lawful conduct includes clear commands and controlled actions.
• Questionable conduct includes unnecessary escalation or unclear procedures.

Examples

• Lawful: Officers giving clear verbal instructions.
• Questionable: Force used after a subject is already restrained.

4. Reasonable Force

• Officers may use force proportionate to resistance or threat.
• Use of force is serious and should not be trivialized.

Examples

• Reasonable: Restraining someone actively resisting.
• Potentially Unreasonable: Striking a compliant subject.

5. Reporting and Accountability

• Submit documentation to oversight bodies or reputable media.
• Reporting lawful conduct ensures accuracy and fairness.

Examples

• Correct: Providing unedited video with timestamps.
• Incorrect: Posting misleading clips without context.

Formative Assessment Tool (2‑part)

Scenario‑Based Check

Provide two short scenarios. For each, participants must identify:

1. Whether the bystander’s behavior is lawful or interfering.
2. Whether the officer’s conduct appears lawful, questionable, or unclear.

Instructor Evaluation

• Participant applies safe‑recording principles.
• Participant identifies proper reporting steps.

If you want, I can compress this even further into a one‑page handout, a training card, or a radio‑ready PSA script.