With the federal government calling anyone and everyone a “domestic terrorist”, it is imperative that our communities have a resource at their ready to deal with potential government interactions. That is why the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) is releasing an updated “Know Your Risks” (KYR) booklet for people across the U.S. This classic guide, last updated in 2015, informs readers of their legal rights and risks when interacting with law enforcement. Unfortunately, this release is quite timely, as we are witnessing an intensification of repression carried out by state and federal agencies. This guide serves as a tool for when individuals have interactions with law enforcement, including FBI and DHS agents.
Click Here to Purchase Physical Copies of the Updated KYR Booklet!
“This wave of escalating government repression is alarming to us,” says NLG Interim President, Suzanne Adely. “It is why it is crucial that we release the most up-to-date information about our legal rights to our members, supporters, and the public at large.”
Our updated KYR guide has detailed information on several crucial topics, including how to navigate agents knocking at your door, managing your digital security, dealing with federal grand juries, interacting with immigration officers, and specific risks for minors, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and others.
“No matter what politicians are saying, the reality is that only we can keep us safe against the very same agents these politicians oversee,” reflects NLG Director of Mass Defense, Xavier T. de Janon. “Too much is at stake to assume best intentions: all of us need to know, assert, and talk about our legal rights and risks against law enforcement.“
NLG is starkly aware how much people in this country need clear guidance of their legal rights against the government. Currently, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol agents are murdering members of the community in broad daylight, such as Renee Nicole Good, and Alex Pretti. ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, are tear gassing children. There has been a wave of 911 calls against ICE, yet local governments provide little to no help for their people.
“Government behavior has shifted dramatically since this NLG guide was last updated,” says NLG former Executive Director, Heidi Boghosian. “What hasn’t changed is the organization’s unwavering commitment to helping the public to remain safe, informed, and alert in the face of government overreach.“
The KYR booklet is freely accessible here: https://www.nlg.org/2025-kyr-booklet/
For additional resources: nlg.org/massdefense
