The Exigent Duality
Theoretical Agent Knock - 08:15 CST, 7/15/21 (Sniper)
I'm not really in the writing sort of mood, but this article seems too important for me not to pass on to my readers. The whole thing should be read, but the crux of it is this, bold emphasis is mine:

"These agents are coming to your home with one purpose in mind: to collect information on you.

It's a form of intimidation, of course. You shouldn't answer any questions you're uncomfortable answering about your vaccine history or anything else. The more information you give them, the more it can be used against you. Just ask them politely but firmly to leave.

In this case, as in so many interactions with government agents, the First, Fourth and Fifth Amendments (and your cell phone recording the encounter) are your best protection.

Under the First Amendment, you don't have to speak (to government officials or anyone else). The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. And under the Fifth Amendment, you have a right to remain silent and not say anything which might be used against you.

You can also post a 'No Trespassing' sign on your property to firmly announce that you are exercising your right to be left alone. If you see government officials wandering around your property and peering through windows, in my opinion, you have a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Government officials can ring the doorbell, but once you put them on notice that it's time for them to leave, they can't stay on your property.

It's important to be as clear as possible and inform them that you will call the police if they don't leave. You may also wish to record your encounter with the government agent. If they still don't leave, immediately call the local police and report a trespasser on your property."


Just to emphasize as I have quite a bit of experience "crossing the law", so-to-speak, these agents will probably be dressed in bright green shirts, wearing sunglasses, and will potentially be armed: they will take an authoritative and formal tone of voice and body stance, gussied up in pseudo-polite "do you have a few minutes to chat?" garb.

It's meant to scare you and disarm you, all at once. As most Americans are both friendly and sheepish to "authority" at the same time, this kind of "good cop, bad cop" all-in-one verbalization and demeanor package is very effective, which is why they use it.

Don't fall for it. They don't give a shit about you, and any attempts to ingratiate you by asking about your dog is total manipulation on their part. Do as the author suggests above: don't oblige them with a smile or chit-chat, don't say a word to them-- tell them that you're not interested in talking, and that they need to leave now.