Know your rights guide for journalists covering protests in the U.S.

Police try to clear a path to seperate the anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters from the pro-ICE demonstrators, as ICE agents and federal agents secure the entrance to the Delaney Hall detention centre, in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., May 30, 2026. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs

Journalists in the United States are operating in an increasingly challenging environment. Those covering protests face a complex and evolving legal landscape, including uncertainty around their rights when interacting with law enforcement. Confusion about state and federal legislation, concerns about protecting both property and information, and uncertainty about available legal recourse all create both legal and physical risk.

To help journalists navigate these challenges, TrustLaw, our global pro bono legal network, facilitated legal research for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) to produce an updated ‘Know your rights guide for journalists covering protests in the US’ - a free resource that provides: 

An overview of constitutional protections that apply to journalists 
Deep dives into state law across key jurisdictions
Recommendations for minimising risk and available legal recourse if a journalist believes their rights have been violated.

Although not a substitute for legal counsel, this tool can help to significantly reduce and manage risk when covering protests in the US.

TrustLaw connected the CPJ with a team of legal experts drawn from our global pro bono network in the production of this guide and can also help you connect with pro bono legal counsel if needed.

You can learn more about our free legal service for civil society organisations, social enterprises and non-profit independent media, and sign up for TrustLaw membership.

This guide was first published in July 2024 and updated in July 2026.