This is a report via crimethinc of some of the activists involved in the peaceful protests against ICE in America. Noise protests seem effective, and peaceful, and direct (“we do not want you here, we are making you leave”) and probably a good thing to have in mind!
The response in Minnesota has been massive neighbourhood solidarity, rapid response networks, a general strike, a blockade, these noise demos and revolts and so on.
Basically, the point is to disrupt the business of a hotel by making a real racket outside during the middle of the night whilst their guests (which includes ICE agents) are asleep. You want to pressure the hotels into closing, and deny the agents their rest.
Info shared via infographic in group chats. Asked not to post abt it on socials. Thereare two types of noise demos: - small, invite-only. 10-25 particpants. still plenty to wake up an entire hotel - larger public noise demos with self-appointing protest managers to direct a much larger crowd
Iding hotels where ICE agents were staying: pretend to a guest and ask staff, scour hotel carparks for known reg plates, online forms for anonymous tips.
Good idea: handheld personal alarms that sound when a pin is removed and do not stop. Remove pin, put device up tree, leave.
Chat per demo. Start by setting off car alarms for agreed amount of time, then lap the hotel, when police show, leave. (small groups not able to resist police like a large crowd). Can do multiple hotels in one night.
Why not go into hotel and set off alarm? CCTV and tresspass probably and alarm points behind locked doors.
One goal is to keep the demo going as long as possible. Police liason to waste their time, ppl trying to de-escalate and recruit angry bystanders.
Wear hearing protection. Earplugs more subtle. Don’t need marshals. Protesters escalate as much as they can, then decide for themselves when its no longer favourable and then exit before they get hurt.
Encourage decentralised, self-directed organising in small affinity groups.
They need to be unpredictable; two peaceful demos a month apart just get a stronger police response the second time.
Noise demos are strong because they are on our terms, and we get to determine the conditions of engagement. A good way to extend a protest is to leave as soon as police show up, and then reconvene as soon as they leave. Takes them a lot more resources.
Noise demos advertise themselves and are especially effective. Make them fun, party, positive. Good thing for outlaw drumming band to be involved with.
“When there are no better options on the table, people will join symbolic marches or stay at home. But when options are available, many people will seize the opportunity to act courageously and effectively.”
Hmm, in the UK we have ASBOs and public order offences, I wonder if that changes the calculus at all?