Digital Social Hour Episode Summary

Title: First Amendment Fights: Lessons From 45 States | Enrique Torres & JP Ambriz DSH #1161
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Hosts: Sean Kelly
Guests: Enrique Torres (Auditing America) & JP Ambriz (Liberty Lens Audits)

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages with Enrique Torres and JP Ambriz, prominent figures in the First Amendment audit community. Alongside Juliana Miller from the UFC, the trio delves into the intricacies of exercising constitutional rights, sharing firsthand experiences from audits across 45 states. The conversation highlights the challenges faced, the purpose behind these audits, and the broader implications for civil liberties in the United States.

1. Understanding First Amendment Audits

Purpose and Mission

Enrique Torres initiates the discussion by emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and government accountability:
"I encourage everybody to do their own research, criticize the government in a positive way, in a bad way, however you want. But you have to check up on them..." [00:00]

His primary mission is to educate the public about their constitutional rights, particularly focusing on the First Amendment—the right to free speech and press. They aim to showcase both positive and negative interactions with government employees, fostering a more informed and vigilant citizenry.

2. Real-Life Audits and Encounters

a. Post Office Incident in Las Vegas

During a First Amendment audit at a Las Vegas post office, Enrique recounts an unexpected confrontation:
"We got assaulted a couple days ago by Juliana Miller from the UFC... she was at first cool with what we were doing, then made physical threats..." [00:36 – 02:12]

Juliana Miller shares her perspective on the encounter:
"Sounded vicious too." [02:12]

This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of audits and the potential for confrontations, even with unexpected individuals.

b. Assault and Escalation

Enrique details the escalation when the situation turned physical:
"She was. It was... I was so surprised because obviously I didn't know she was an athlete." [02:22 – 02:43]

The altercation led to Juliana fleeing and displaying remarkable physical agility:
"She jumped into oncoming traffic and jumped a whole wall. It was insane." [02:43]

c. Detention in Guam

Expanding beyond Las Vegas, Enrique shares his experience in Guam:
"They took me inside the base... It was a misunderstanding." [04:02 – 04:25]

Despite the initial fear, Enrique was released after clarifying the situation, highlighting the complexities of jurisdiction, especially on military bases.

d. Jaywalking Arrest in Las Vegas

A notable incident involved Enrique and his team jaywalking near the FBI building:
"We were filming the FBI building... we jaywalked. And then this police officer just showed up." [36:26 – 37:05]

This led to a confrontation where they were arresting for jaywalking, revealing inconsistencies in law enforcement practices.

3. Interactions with Law Enforcement

a. Professionalism vs. Misconduct

Enrique criticizes the unprofessional behavior of some officers:
"Their policy is that they have to be courteous, professional... Sometimes, bro, nine times out of ten, you try to shake a police officer's hand, they've got this gap, bro." [25:19 – 25:55]

Juliana shares her own experiences of repeated arrests:
"I've been arrested plenty of times. Maybe like, seven. Nine. Very, very petty arrests just for filming." [35:50 – 35:57]

b. Legal Ramifications and Trials

Enrique discusses his court trial where video evidence played a crucial role:
"I was found not guilty of disorderly conduct thanks to my video." [16:39 – 16:49]

However, he also recounts being wrongfully convicted of a secondary charge:
"They found me guilty of resisting arrest that I wasn't guilty of." [17:57 – 18:34]

These experiences highlight the challenges auditors face within the legal system and the importance of video evidence in protecting one's rights.

4. The Role of Video Evidence

a. Importance in Trials

Enrique underscores the significance of recording interactions:
"Videos don't lie. So if you're going in with a good purpose... You know, we're out there trying to educate them, trying to deescalate the situation as much as we can." [14:49 – 15:45]

b. Limitations and Obstacles

Despite its importance, auditors often face challenges in accessing recorded footage:
"They took my phone and they never got it back." [37:48 – 38:01]

Juliana shares her own ordeal:
"I had to go through court... she signed it... she said you should get it within like maybe 14 days." [38:20 – 38:43]

These narratives emphasize the ongoing battle to ensure accountability and transparency.

5. Challenges and Obstacles

a. Phone Confiscation and Legal Struggles

Both Enrique and Juliana discuss the repercussions of their audits, including phone confiscations and lengthy legal battles to retrieve their equipment:
"They took my phone and they never got it back." [37:48 – 38:01]
"I went to the judge... she signed it off. She's all like, yeah, you should get it within like maybe 14 days." [38:20 – 38:43]

b. Emotional and Psychological Toll

The repeated arrests and confrontations take a significant emotional toll on the auditors:
"Every time I see you, you're gonna go to jail." [39:09 – 39:10]

6. Educating the Public and Encouraging Civic Engagement

a. Utilizing Accessible Tools

Enrique highlights the accessibility of audits using everyday tools:
"We always... go with our phones because we want to promote the freedom of the press... you have everything you need here on your phone." [31:08 – 32:17]

b. Expanding Awareness

The hosts stress the importance of public awareness and participation:
"Everybody, you know, take one day... go and check up on your government." [13:46 – 14:20]

Juliana adds practical advice for new auditors:
"Don't be afraid to use your phones, your cameras. They are like your best friends nowadays." [47:15 – 47:25]

7. Conclusion and Future Plans

a. Expanding Reach

Enrique and JP discuss their plans to audit additional states and continue their mission:
"We're missing only about five or six states... we're gonna go to Utah, Idaho." [32:21 – 33:08]

b. Platforms and Resources

They encourage listeners to follow their work across various platforms:
"Check out the First Amendment Network... Find auditing America everywhere." [46:17 – 47:04]

c. Final Thoughts on Civil Liberties

Enrique concludes with a strong message on the importance of protecting constitutional rights:
"Stay safe and continue sharing the word for the Constitution and freedom and the First Amendment." [48:36 – 48:45]

Notable Quotes

• "Anybody more legit? I encourage everybody to do their own research..." — Enrique Torres [00:00]
• "The First Amendment is what this country is about." — Enrique Torres [09:56]
• "It was a misunderstanding. But I did get detained for a couple hours." — Enrique Torres [04:25]
• "They took my phone and they never got it back." — Enrique Torres [37:48]
• "We are there. We are their bosses. They work for us." — Enrique Torres [44:45]

Key Takeaways

• First Amendment audits serve as a tool for citizens to hold government employees accountable and ensure respect for constitutional rights.
• Video evidence is crucial in protecting auditors from wrongful accusations and legal repercussions.
• Interactions with law enforcement can be unpredictable and sometimes hostile, highlighting the need for greater training and professionalism.
• Public education and engagement are essential for maintaining a transparent and accountable government.
• Auditors face significant challenges, including legal battles and personal risks, but their work remains vital for safeguarding civil liberties.

For more insights and to follow ongoing audits, visit the First Amendment Network and follow Auditing America on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, check out Liberty Lens Audits and support their mission to uphold constitutional freedoms across the nation.