Buffalo Legal Observers

The Military Law Task Force advocates through the law for servicemembers and veterans.
nlgmltf.org

We always get asked: "Do you have be a lawyer to join the National Lawyers Guild?"

No!

How to Film ICE Filming federal agents in public is legal, but avoiding a dangerous—even deadly—confrontation isn’t guaranteed. Here’s how to record ICE and CBP agents as safely as possible and have an impact.

If you're on the streets filming ICE, remember: Keep the focus on the ICE agents themselves where possible because it makes it more likely that you'll capture footage of any visible badges or other potentially identifying features. Keep recording for as long as possible.

More tips here 👇

Breaking: Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti tells Investigative Post he's pulling back on his partnership with ICE.

Filicetti says he will now only detain immigrants at the jail if they've been criminally charged. No more civil detainees, he said.

www.investigativepost.org/2026/01/20/n...

Buffalo Mayor Ryan to ban city cooperation with ICE, other feds Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan on Friday announced that he plans to sign an executive order that would ban city cooperation with federal immigration

www.investigativepost.org/2026/01/16/b...

MARTIN SOSTRE GERALDINE POINTER AND THE BLACK ANTIFASCIST TRADITION AFRO-ASIAN 300 독 + 2PM SUN FEB 1 MERRIWEATHER LIBRARY 1324 JEFFERSON AVE BUFFALO

6. If not a valid judicial warrant, demand a card and their contact information. You can end the interaction and stay inside!

4. Demand to be shown a warrant. The agents can slide it on the ground, slide it through a crack, show it through a window, etc.5. If it’s a valid judicial warrant, say that you do not consent to a search. ICE agents can lawfully come in if it’s a valid judicial warrant.

Remember, if you are in a private area of the university, and an ICE agent comes:

1. Lock the door or entrance.
2. Speak only through the door or entrance. Shouting is fine!
3. Say you do not consent to the agents’ entry.

ICE on University Campuses: Know Your Risks & Fight Back! - National Lawyers Guild Published September 18, 2025. Please note that laws and their enforcement change frequently. Consult a local attorney for additional questions. KYR ICE On CampusDownload

www.nlg.org/civicrm/mail... As the federal government escalates its attacks against immigrants, university campuses have become a focus of political repression. ICE is targeting non-U.S. citizens on campuses due to their speech and beliefs. Read on to know your risks and ways to fight back!

In the past, the federal government has utilized a federal crime against immigrant advocates, 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A), “Bringing In and Harboring Certain” Non-U.S. Citizens. Understanding this very broad law can help assess risks at different points of intervention!

The new Trump administration has already stated its intent to use laws to prosecute “immigration-related violations,” which can extend to individuals who help and advocate on behalf of non-U.S. citizens.

Assessing Risks in Supporting Immigrants at Points of Intervention: Understanding the “Harboring” Non-U.S. Citizens Federal Crime, 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A) - National Lawyers Guild Published January 24, 2025. Created in collaboration with the National Immigration Project (NIP) and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ). Please note that laws and their enforcement chang...

www.nlg.org/civicrm/mail... In collaboration with Southern Coalition for Social Justice and National Immigration Project, the NLG’s Mass Defense Program has created a new KYR for people advocating with and supporting non-U.S. citizens.

As more people stand up against this violence, federal prosecutors across the country have brought hundreds of charges against protesters under 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1), “federal assault”. Understanding this law can help assess risks as you take action in support of immigrants!

Federal Assault by Sandwich, Whistle & Protest: An Explainer on 18 U.S.C. 111(a)(1) - National Lawyers Guild Published December 24, 2025. Please note that laws and their enforcement change frequently. Consult a local attorney for additional questions. Federal Assault by Sandwich, Whistle, and Protest-compres...

www.nlg.org/civicrm/mail... Trump regime has unleashed the full force of ICE, CBP, and DHS for his mass deportation agenda.

We’re in Albany today fighting for every family that now has an empty space at the dinner table. For every NYer ripped from their family. For every family afraid that a traffic stop could lead to permanent separation from their loved ones.

Enough is enough. Lawmakers must pass #NY4All now.

WIN: We sued the Batavia ICE federal detention center over the facility’s policy of permitting ICE officers to open confidential legal mail.

People trapped in immigration detention + their lawyers rely on written communications to relay deeply personal info. This is a critical First Amendment win.

Emergency Webinar: Illegal Orders Under US Military Law - by Attorney James M. Branum YouTube video by MLTF - Military Law Task Force of the NLG

The Task Force's December 30th webinar was recorded and is now available for viewing online: youtu.be/Fm26YhWRdXw

The National Lawyers Guild Military Law Task Force includes attorneys, legal workers, law students and “Barracks lawyers” interested in draft, military and veterans issues. It is a standing project of the National Lawyers Guild.

The Military Law Task Force advocates through the law for servicemembers and veterans.
nlgmltf.org

This situation is now inactive

IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ALERT! WHAT: Agents in an unmarked vehicle in tactical gear detaining people in the parking lot of the Cheektowaga Walmart Unverified if immigration WHEN: approx 8PM 12/27/25 WHERE: 2500 Walden Ave Cheektowaga NY POLICE 3HT-515) BORDER CALL OR TEXT 7162222190 @BIRDWATCHBUFALO

🧊Reporting an ICE Raid

With all the uncertainty around ICE raids, we need to ensure that we do not spread further fear within our communities, by spreading false information. It is crucial to only share raids that have been vetted by a trusted source. 

Save & share this resource!

Friday, December 19, 2025 This week we learned that ICE kidnapped at least 24 of our neighbors, right here in WNY. 1/2]

Friday, December 12, 2025 They are workers, dads, husbands, single holders. steen caro This is a noticeable uptick; more than twice as high as last week. This comes as many in the White House and around our nation are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, a refugee. [2/21

REPORTING POTENTIAL THREATS When reporting, share as much information as possible. Do not speculate. Share what you directly observe. If you get the report from someone else, get SALUTE before you "signal boost". S A U E SIZE - How many people/vehicles observed? ACTIVITY - What are they doing? Examples: Pulled someone over. At a person's home. Standing around in a parking lot. LOCATION - Be specific. If someone needed to find it, where would they look? UNIFORMS - Are they clearly affiliated with a specific agency? What are the colors of the uniform or patches? Masks? TIME & DATE - When did you first observe? Is the situation still active? EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES - Carrying anything like zip ties, additional weapons? Get description of vehicles, plate numbers.

The New York for All Act would establish baseline protections by prohibiting state + local law enforcement and agencies from collaborating with ICE, incl. ending harmful 287(g) agreements.

@governor.ny.gov prioritize #NY4All as the very first order of business when legislators return to Albany.

The front cover of the everybody vs. billionaires guide is pictured in the center of the graphic. A bubble of text reads, “Find resources to help you… identify the billionaires in your backyard, map billionaire influence and networks.” Below that there is a link: bit.ly/EverybodyvsBillionaires [capital e and b]. The LittleSis logo is pictured on the lower right corner in white. The background is mustard yellow, and there is a picture of black and white money stacks.

Do you know who your local billionaires are?

We made this research guide to help you get started.
littlesis.org/reports/ever...

Happy Hanukkah on blue background with gold star and flower decorative elements. May your Hanukkah be filled with light, love, and happiness.

Hanukkah reminds us that even in the darkest times, light and hope can prevail. Spreading light can also extend beyond candle lighting; we can brighten our world through intentional acts of kindness and gestures of love.

How will you spread light this season?

#HappyHanukkah #SpreadTheLight

bsky.app/profile/buff...

Recently 250 Delaware posted a zoning variance notice to construct an 8 foot tall metal fence outside the building. Public filings indicate that this is to prevent "avid fans" of NHL teams who stay at the hotel from trying to climb the fence for autographs. They suggest an 8 foot fence would help deal with a "lack of privacy for these famous people."

Buffalo: Do you believe that the landlord for the kidnapper headquarters' just wants privacy for famous NHL players? We are VERY skeptical Come to the zoning board on December 17 at 2 PM & speak out. Buffalo City Hall -Room 912 Office of Strategic Planning Conference Room

Did you know 250 Delaware Ave houses the brain center and operation headquarters for the kidnapping, detention, & deportation of our neighbors for almost all of NY State?

The 250 Delaware building features a luxury hotel and Delaware North HQ; owned & operated by the Jacobs family. In the same building, Delaware North leases to one of 28 of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Between the Buffalo and NYC EROs they cover the entirety of NY and have contributed to kidnapping more people without criminal records than any other state in the US this year.

NY is the only state with >60% rate of those arrested with no criminal record