The DEA office in Detroit is a regional Division Office that serves Michigan and Ohio, according to its website. It is located at 431 Howard Street, Detroit, MI 48226. WDIV Local 4 is right next door, and the Free Press is nearby.
Where to Meet:
Howard Street between Cass and First Street appears to be closed off and used as a courtyard. There are several tables and benches there. The front entrance to the DEA office building is there. This is where we should meet.
Here’s what the building looks like (below). You can see that it’s close to Comerica Bank (in the right upper corner of the picture) across Lafayette. This picture was taken from First Street and Howard looking southeast.
Parking
There is ample parking all around the building in parking lots and on-street metered parking. The on-street parking is probably the least expensive option.
Food and Restrooms
There are several nearby places to buy food:
- Detroit Taco Bodega on Lafayette has Mexican fare.
- The Press Room has coffee, pizza, sandwiches, and snacks.
- The Motor City Kitchen inside the Doubletree Suites Hilton has a full restaurant and a market to pick up coffee and quick snacks.
What to Bring
Prepare for the weather. Wear or bring sunscreen and/or bring and umbrella for light rain or sun. Bring a folding chair if you can’t stand for very long. Bring your signs. Bring water.
Know Your Rights
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has detailed information on it’s website about your rights to organize and attend a protest. Familiarize yourself with them beforehand. There are also instructions there for what to do when or if your rights are infringed upon and/or protesters are injured.
Be Very Careful Who You Talk to and What You Say
The DEA has broad, unchecked powers to intimidate, arrest, imprison, and harass. Do not share your personal information, your doctor’s or clinic’s name or location with anyone at the rally unless you are sure it’s one of us. We want DEA personnel to come out and talk to us, but they can’t be trusted not to harass us or our doctors. We also suggest not driving directly home after the rally. Make one or more stops first. You never know who is going to show up and try to take advantage and prey upon us. Be brave, but be safe!
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