When are #ICEProtests ‘illegal’ in #Texas? Here’s what state and federal laws say

By Tiffani Jackson Updated June 12, 2025

Excerpt: "What are your rights to protest on public or private property? Your rights are strongest in “traditional public forums,” like parks, sidewalks and streets, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. While you generally have the freedom to express yourself on other public land, like plazas outside government buildings, it’s important that your actions don’t block access or interfere with the building’s intended function.

"On private property, the owner has the right to impose restrictions on speech. However, the government cannot limit your speech if you’re on your own property or have permission from the owner. It’s also important to remember that counter-protesters have the same rights to free expression, and police must treat both protesters and counter-protesters equally.

"Is it legal to take photos or video protests, police or government buildings? You are legally allowed to photograph anything in plain view, including government buildings and law enforcement officers, when you’re in a public area.

"On private property, however, the property owner may have their own rules about photography or video recording.

"What is an ‘illegal protest’? Protesting is a fundamental right protected by the First Amendment, but not every demonstration is automatically legal. According to the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to preserving the First Amendment, the following actions can cross the line and turn a peaceful protest into one that could get you arrested:

- Violence or destruction of property – If a protest turns violent, involves #vandalism, or causes harm to people or property, it’s no longer protected under #FreeSpeech laws.

- Trespassing on private property – Protests are generally allowed in public spaces, like sidewalks and parks. But if demonstrators enter private property without permission, they could face trespassing charges.

- Blocking roads or public services – #Marching in the street without a permit or blocking traffic can make a protest illegal. Many cities require permits for demonstrations, especially those that could disrupt public order.

" 'It can’t be about the content of the speech, because content and viewpoint are protected by the #First =Amendment,' TCU media law professor and First Amendment expert Daxton “Chip” Stewart said. 'It has to be about something else. A protest that #BlocksTraffic, for example, or that arises to violence.' Texas laws about protesting

"According to the Texas Law Library, there are specific restrictions on where protests cannot take place.

"For example, it’s illegal to protest within 1,000 feet of a funeral service from three hours before to three hours after the event, as this could disrupt the service. Likewise, protests at #CriticalInfrastructure sites, like oil pipelines or #construction areas, are heavily regulated, with severe penalties for trespassing or disrupting these facilities.

"Additionally, blocking #highways, #sidewalks or any passageways that are accessible to the public — especially emergency routes—is prohibited, and doing so can lead to felony charges.

"#Protests that turn disorderly or disrupt lawful meetings also fall under legal restrictions. Finally, any actions that involve violence or #loud, disruptive noise are subject to criminal penalties.

"What are your rights if you protest on college campus? In 2019, Texas passed a law that made all common outdoor spaces on public university campuses 'traditional public forums.'

"This means that anyone — whether you’re a student, staff member, or just someone from the community — can express themselves, whether that’s through protests or other demonstrations, as long as it’s lawful and doesn’t seriously disrupt the university’s operations."

Read more:
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article308416530.html

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#NonViolentProtests #ProtestLaws #Project2025 #Authoritarianism #AntiProtestLaws #TrafficInterference