Officer Madrid, star number 4, 143. >> Can I see your ID? >> Well, then you're illegally detaining me. >> No, sir, I'm not. >> Did I commit a crime? >> Sir, what you're doing is very suspicious. >> Well, in order for you to detain me, you have to be accusing me of committing a crime. >> Do you have ID on you, sir? >> Abuse of power doesn't start with handcuffs. It starts with a single sentence. Let me see your ID. >> Are we being detained? >> Uh-huh. >> Are we being detained? >> I'd like to know who I'm speaking with. Do you know who I I gave you my name. I'd like to know your name. >> Well, I mean >> Is that not a fair request? >> Correct, but you know that we have unless we're being suspected of a crime, we don't have to provide ID. >> Police officers who disregard citizens' rights rarely think about the consequences until the lawsuit is filed. While filming in a public area near the airport, the man was suddenly approached by police. What began as a simple question quickly escalated into a tense confrontation. >> How are you today? Sir, can you talk to me? >> Am I being detained? >> Uh I'm just talking to you just because you were filming the airport and the officer was concerned. It's a little concerning cuz you were filming a secure area of the airport. >> Am I being detained? >> Sure. Do you have ID on you, sir? >> Uh what's your name and badge number? >> That's Officer Madrid, star number 4, 143. >> Can I see your ID? >> Sir, can you put that down? You're being detained. You're being detained now. >> Well, then you're illegally detaining me. >> No, sir, I'm not. >> Did I commit a crime? >> Sir, what you're doing is very suspicious. >> But is it a crime? >> I'm investigating it. >> But did I commit a crime? >> occurred, sir. Do you have ID on you? >> If I didn't commit a crime, then there's Sir, you're being detained. >> What you're doing is very suspicious. >> Well, I'm asking you, what crime did I commit? >> the airport, sir. Sir, do you have any >> see the smile on your face? Come on. You know how silly that sounds? >> Okay, sir. Do you have ID on you? >> people How many people in the airport have cameras and take video and picture of the >> Okay, but you're filming the airfield. You're filming a secure entrance. It's very curious. >> Well, I'm telling you, there's people in the airport with cameras and they take pictures and video. >> Okay. >> And you're out here detaining me cuz I'm out on the public sidewalk >> on the public trail, sir. >> videoing or taking pictures. >> I received from the other officer >> Okay, I'm asking you if I committed a crime. >> Sir, I'm asking you for ID because you're being detained. >> Well, I'm asking you if I committed a crime. >> trying to determine >> What seemed like a routine conversation quickly escalated as police repeatedly demanded identification without stating any crime. Moments later, the exchange grew even more heated as questions about legal authority pushed the situation to a breaking point. >> Can you give me your >> In order for you to detain me, you have to be accusing me of committing a crime. >> Sir, I could just be suspicious of something that may be occurring. Do you have ID on you, sir? >> If I If I didn't commit a crime, there's no >> ID? Any type of ID? >> Look, he just made Am I being detained or am I free to go? >> you're being detained. >> Okay, then I'm I'm not I don't answer any questions. >> Okay. You're not being charged with a crime, so you can answer questions. Do you happen to have ID on you? >> Well, then if I didn't commit a If you're saying I did not commit a crime, then why are you detaining me? >> Sir, what you're doing is very suspicious. I'm investigating. I'm trying to determine whether something is going on. >> out here with cameras and take pictures and video? >> Sir, do you have ID on you? >> Do you know where this video is going? >> I don't know where this video is going, but >> on YouTube. >> That's fine. Can you provide me with some ID, sir? >> Please. Unless I committed a crime or you can articulate a crime that I have committed, then I'll give you my ID. >> Sir, you have to understand >> But if I did not commit a crime, there's no reason for you to come out here and >> why it's concerning to the other officer when you're filming a secure checkpoint. You have to understand why that's concerning. The fact that you're filming the airfield >> that >> and you're filming the fence line. >> There's people that stand along this whole trail right here and take pictures and videos. >> Okay, but that's not what he was concerned about. It wasn't the trail that you were filming. It was over where the gate mechanism is. So, you have to understand why that's concerning to the officer. >> Same thing. I'm not in public. >> Okay, sir. But you're not just filming the airfield or the nature. >> got to keep walking, man. >> Sir, I'm asking you for ID because you're being detained. >> Did I commit a crime? >> Sir, I'm asking you for ID. >> I'm asking you if I committed a crime. If If you're telling me that that I committed a crime and I'm under arrest or I'm being investigated for a crime >> Sir, I'm trying to determine whether some type of crime occurred. That's all. That's all this is. That's all this is. >> how this works. >> I'll tell you what. Here comes It looks like the other officer may be on his >> As police continued to claim they were investigating suspicious behavior, the cameraman repeatedly demanded a clear legal basis for the detention. Shortly after, the situation took a turn when he made a request that suddenly made the scene far more sensitive. >> commit a crime, so I'm going to be on my way. >> Okay, sir. I'm asking you for ID because it is suspicious. What you're doing >> What is suspicious? >> that you were exhibiting while at the gate. >> What the other officer explained to me is that you were filming the secure checkpoint and where the gate mechanism and everything is. >> Did I go inside Did I go Did I go inside a zone where I wasn't supposed to? >> You have to understand why that's concerning. >> Okay, I'm asking you a question. Did I enter a zone where I wasn't supposed to? Was I on a public sidewalk? Did he tell you was on a public sidewalk? >> So, he told me was you were filming that area which is suspicious. >> Look, man. >> It's suspicious. >> to save I'm trying to save you from you guys looking bad. >> Okay, sir. >> That's fine. >> Now, by you detaining me, you're already wasting my time. You're impeding my ability to travel. You know that, right? >> some ID. That's all I'm asking you for. >> But, I want you to listen to this. You understand that you're You now are impeding my ability to travel. >> Do you happen to have ID on you? >> What crime did I commit? >> you what. >> What What crime did I commit? >> Sir, can you give me your name? >> Look, okay, get your supervisor out here. Cuz now you're wasting my time, man. You know? Who was that? What's your name? Arthur what? Esafedi? >> Arthur >> Let me zoom in to your name tag. >> Yeah, the 917 suspect is requesting a supervisor respond out to the scene. >> Refusing to accept being held without a clear accusation, the cameraman began demanding a supervisor and recording the officer's information on scene. As time passed with no clear answers, the confrontation continued to escalate leading into an even more intense standoff. >> I'm on a public sidewalk, so >> I understand that. >> is right there where I would have been. >> I don't know where you were standing, but I know is what you were filming. This is at the airport. >> Yeah, they They told you that that somebody was doing illegal activity. >> No, what the officer told me was you were filming the gate mechanism and the area where he was posted at. And that he he thought it was suspicious. >> He's going to say whatever he wants. so I'm here to investigate. If I committed a crime. >> Sir, I'm here to investigate whether a crime is going to happen. >> But when you investigate, there's usually a crime that was committed. >> Not necessarily, sir. >> I made >> I may complete my investigation the same way. >> cold. I got to get back on my bike, man. >> Okay, sir. Can you provide me with your name and ID? >> Am I you Are you accusing me of a crime? >> you of crime. I'm investigating whether something criminal may or may not have occurred. So the sooner I have your ID, the sooner you can be on your way, sir. You got to understand, it's suspicious. The behavior was suspicious. How do you pronounce your name? >> Madrid. >> Okay. >> But we've already talked about that. You've already taken my star number. >> Yeah. >> Now, sir, I need your name. >> I'm If I didn't commit no crime, there's no reason for me to give you my name. >> name? >> I'm getting cold, man. >> Okay, I understand that, sir. >> I got to go for a walk. >> But I'm trying to I'm trying to investigate. >> Now you're impeding my ability to travel, you know that, right? >> Sir, I have not impeded your ability to travel right now. >> and do this. Let's stop and do this. >> Sir, and I've already explained to you you're being detained. >> Check this out. We're going to do this. Are you a public servant? >> Sir. Do you have an ID? >> you if you are a public servant. >> you think? >> No, I'm asking you a question. I want you to answer. >> manner, sir? >> I'm asking you a question. Yes or no? >> Am I in a lawful >> Are you a public servant? >> Sir, do you have ID? You're being detained. Do you have ID? >> You're impeding my ability to travel. >> Sir, do you have ID? Can you tell me your name? >> Man, you're you're going to look bad on on online, dude. >> As the exchange dragged on without any specific violation being identified, the cameraman's frustration continued to rise, while police persisted in demanding cooperation. Just minutes later, the situation took an unpredictable turn as both sides remained locked in a tense confrontation. >> Did you take a note? >> I don't understand your No, did you take a note, yes or no? I I need to know. I don't I can't really say that that you did. >> around for the supervisor that you requested? >> Well, it's getting cold, man. I can't. You told me it's going to take uh how long? >> A couple minutes. >> Well, it's past a couple minutes, man. Come on, man. Come on. Tell them that I left, that I was getting cold. A good citizen left and he was getting cold, right? Have a good day. >> All right. Are you going to provide me with your information, sir? >> No, man. Uh I don't know what to tell you from here on out. You're just You're just uh >> Can you tell me >> are you following me? >> Can you tell me why you were filming >> you following me? >> Can you tell me why you were filming the airport? >> You know, I want you to stop bothering me cuz uh obviously, you got weapons. I don't, man. >> tell me why you were filming the airport? >> Leave me alone. Come on, man. Look. If we go right over here to this corner, you'll see people recording. Whether they are over there or at the at the gate. As long as they don't enter the gate, right? As long as there's two fences right there. Even though there's not a line painted on the ground, as long as the people don't go over there, it's all good. Come on, man. You You know about America. >> I do know about America. >> Yeah, yeah. You know about the Constitution. Wake up, man. >> that it's concerning. It's concerning to the officers who are working in that area. So, I'm just trying to investigate. I'm just trying to find out why you were filming. >> So, uh so people inside the airport with cameras is also concerning. >> It depends >> I would I would think because >> on the areas that they're filming. >> Well, would it be If it's a public airport, I would think it's okay. Wouldn't you say? >> No, in all areas of the airport, it's not okay to film. >> Okay, man. Look, look. I'm going to go about my way, man. I'll see you later. Have a good day. >> Are you Are you really going to stick to me, man? >> I'm just asking. I'm just talking. I'm just having a conversation with you. >> The final exchanges didn't just bring the incident to a close. They sparked broader debate about the limits of police power and individual freedom. Citizens may file lawsuits against police under Section 1983 when their rights are violated, and officers found in violation can face financial liability, disciplinary action, or even termination. Up next, a group of filmmakers entered the DMV to work on a video about public services, but within minutes, they were unexpectedly ordered to leave. What was really happening behind those doors? >> I need you guys to step outside. You guys don't have masks on. >> Is that like a law? >> Pardon me? >> Is that like a law? >> We have to have it because there's so many people in here. You guys don't have masks on. Can I get you guys to step outside, please? >> We're medically exempt. That's why I'm saying. >> proof that you're medically exempt? Otherwise, you're going to have to step outside. >> We do. We have proof. >> Can I see it, please? >> What about >> Otherwise, you're going to have to step outside. >> What about the HIPAA law? >> Okay, but I'm just saying, we can't You guys have to step outside. >> For what reason? We're just working on a video. We're not going to bother anyone. We'll be in this corner. >> What are you guys doing? >> We're just working on a video about the DMV. >> Okay, we're going to have to have you guys step outside. >> Under Under what? >> You're on a private business, and we're asking you to leave, please. Yes. >> Who owns this business? We have freedom of the press. We have right to work on a video, right? >> If you're not doing business, I need you to step out. >> We'd like to do a public records request. >> There's private information in this building. Please step out, or I'm going to dial >> Ma'am, there's not an emergency right now. This is a Okay, how is this a private business if this is the DMV, you guys? >> Contracted business. All of the license offices are >> Okay, so and and I understand which which means that you guys are ser- servicing the public. We're not We're not here to >> We serve a very >> Who are you contracted by? >> Our contract is with the state, but we're a private company. I'm asking you to leave. >> Okay, but you're getting >> I guess this is the least I can do. >> We serve a diverse population that is highly susceptible to African American flu. We want to protect them. That includes our elderly and um immunocompromised. >> Okay. Um I also have medical attention. I have medical attention I have to do. Who contracts you guys? >> Okay, if you have a medical exemption, that's fine, but we'll serve you outside. >> Okay. All right, cool. And this is a privately owned place. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay, so can you help us outside then? >> Someone will help you outside. >> What began as seemingly simple questions about the right to film in public space quickly took a turn when staff claimed the facility was private and police were called. The conversation with officers would soon push the situation into a far more tense and controversial territory. >> Hi. How How are you today, sir? >> Not bad. Yourself? >> I'm doing good. We're confused, okay? Because We have the DMV right here, right? It's a public building. It's servicing the public. We have freedom of the press. We're not disturbing the service that is being, you know, the business at all. We walked in. They denied us service. They kicked They They kicked us out. They're calling 911. There's not an emergency here. >> Okay, so couple things. That's a contract office. So it's not a state office. >> Yeah, but it's contracted by the state and they're making it accessible to the public. And they they are they're being trusted with all of our information. So, >> That's something that you would have to take up with the >> Yeah, but it's open to the it's open to the public. So, what if we what if we want to conduct business at the DMV? They they could just deny? You guys are the ones forcing people to come to the DMV and do business anyway. It does. >> It is. Like every single one of these businesses, you can go in there if you >> No, it's different because this is the DMV, sir. >> It's a con- privately contracted business. Okay? Huh? They get a contract and they get paid off of off of that contract. Yes. Yes. How do people without masks get get care? You're going to have to go to another office if you'd like to figure that out. >> How does the state of Missouri work with private private businesses? >> Do you guys have business that you guys have to conduct there? >> We do. No, of course. >> What are you getting done there today? >> Sir, first we wanted to do a public records request. They didn't allow us. As soon as we walked in >> the state of Missouri. They're not going to do that there. >> As police began explaining the idea of a privately contracted office, the cameraman refused to accept such a simple answer. Questions about constitutional rights, access to public information, and the obligations of agencies serving the public kept coming. And from that moment, the exchange entered its most intense phase. >> The state cannot continue to to >> What business do you have there? Are you getting a license or >> I told I told you, sir, I'm trying to do a public records request. >> They don't do these here. You're going to have to contact the state of Missouri Department of Revenue office. >> Can I have your badge number, please? >> 0910, Officer Eric Kennedy. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> You pull public records all the time. We've actually pulled public records out of DMV before. But my only thing is, I believe personally that this should be a public accessible area because sure they're government, uh, they're getting a contract from the government, so they're getting our tax money, they're providing a public service. If it was Raytheon or, you know, Boeing or something like that. >> on you. >> Are we being detained? >> Huh? >> Are we being detained? >> I'd like to know who I'm speaking with. You know who I I gave you my name. I'd like to know your name. >> Well, I mean >> Is that not a fair request? >> Well, if >> to know who I am, but I don't get to know who you are. >> If if you're asking just because, you know, you just want to be nice about it, I could tell you my name because, you know, I like good, courteous, professional police officers. Also, I don't mind I don't want >> with good, courteous citizens as well. >> Correct, but you know that we have, unless we're being suspected of a crime, we don't have to provide ID. >> Okay. >> So, we're >> Yes, because What about the Fourth Amendment? What's our First Amendment right? >> Huh? >> What's our Fourth Amendment right? >> Fourth Amendment? >> Yes. >> Illegal search and seizure. >> Okay, so I have the right to keep my documents in privacy. I'm not breaking the law. >> name is not a private entity. >> Yes, it is. I can I can I can I can refuse to say my my information at any time, unless of course you're suspecting me of committing a crime, and then and then I'm being detained, and then I'm legally required to provide ID. But none of that is happening right now. I told the lady Please, there's no emergency. She called 911 over a mask. That's not an emergency. No one >> Someone Someone failing to abide by their rules >> We stepped outside. >> Okay, then what's the >> They said Actually, they even said they they'd help us outside if we >> So, then what's the problem? They're >> They never came. They never came. >> Okay. So, what what exactly do you want done? You keep saying that you want a public service request. Is that all you want to do here is a public service request? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And I >> What exactly are you wanting? What what exactly request are you asking for? >> What what what were we requesting from from the DMV? >> We want some legal definitions as well as I was looking for a FOIA request to be able to check out the last 24 received emails from the director of the DMV. >> Okay. >> As the discussion shifted to identity demands and the limits of police authority, the tension became unmistakable. But instead of ending there, the situation took an unexpected turn. One where far-reaching consequences began to emerge in the moments that followed. >> But uh when people like us that have uh millions of views on the internet and that we never go out there breaking the law or disrespect people, although the first amendment protect protects us when we want to uh say things that people don't don't like and don't agree, uh it makes the it makes the state of Missouri look uh very bad because uh they're doing business with with people that are not acting uh very American. >> Well, like I said, you can contact the Department of Revenue director and make your complaints lodge complaints to him. >> Okay, we might have to check that out one of these days. >> Okay. >> Well, you guys been very nice. I'm sure you need to go over there and talk to them. We're going to be on our way because we already uh we already know what the deal is. We can't go in there. >> Is this Is this the same way at all DMVs? >> Every single one runs a little bit different, so I can't say how every single one >> Is that every contract office runs a little different. >> What do you mean? >> You could have a contract with the state to run a DMV office. He could have a contract with the state to run one. He could. He could. I could. >> That's not good, bro. >> I'm not arguing with that. >> It's not good. Why you guys trusting I mean that maybe the state of Missouri has a good heart and they want and they want to employ more people by doing that too, but my God, bro. >> I understand they probably have certain requirements that they have to be under to operate that. So, but that's that's the way it's done here. >> And >> Right, wrong, or indifferent, that's the way it's done here. That's not something that we have any control >> Now, let me ask you a quick question. What's your favorite amendment from the Constitution? >> Favorite amendment? >> Yes. >> I'd say they're all pretty vital to us. It doesn't matter one or the other. If we pick one, we lose lose rights in one area, that also becomes vital for us. They're all important. >> Well, we're bringing awareness on freedom of the press. Everywhere we go, people want press credentials. Well, show me your press pass. Show me your press credentials. There's no press credentials because there's not an agency in the United States that provides those. And uh >> So, what organization are you guys >> We're We're with We're with Auditing America. >> Okay. >> And we have millions of views on the internet. We're just peaceful people spreading the spreading freedom. You know, this is America. We love peace and harmony. We're not A lot of people see us with the snapback. You know, we had police officers yesterday threatening to trespass us from the state capital in Iowa for for for wea- for wearing for wearing a snapback. We were We were going to get trespassed >> Benjamin Franklin would have thought about the freedom of the >> for wearing snapbacks. >> The final words in this segment didn't just close the conversation. They left viewers questioning whether this was merely an isolated misunderstanding or a sign of a deeper problem in how power is exercised. A civilized society is not measured by who wins an argument, but by whether dialogue takes place with respect, understanding, and good faith. Hey, everyone. What do you think about this situation? If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and support us with a donation. Thank you so much.