Federal and local law enforcement agencies are preparing a large security footprint around the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas ahead of the first-ever RNC Midterm Convention.

The convention is expected to bring about 20,000 visitors to Dallas on Wednesday and Thursday, including President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other congressional leaders.

The U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police and FBI conducted a walkthrough of the American Airlines Center ahead of the event.

“Anytime we do an assessment of an overall event or a particular site or a venue, such as the American Airlines Center, we build that assessment based on the information that we do and find during our advance,” said Christina Foley, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service Dallas. “That includes receiving information that includes determining what is needed for overall security posture and the footprint of that posture.”

Foley said the convention has not been designated by the Department of Homeland Security as a National Security Special Event, as the World Cup was.

Street Closures & Security Fencing

The Secret Service Dallas said large fences will be used to fortify the American Airlines Center. Bike racks and additional law enforcement officers will also be positioned around surrounding streets, and there may be road closures leading up to the event.

If you work and/or live in downtown Dallas—or if this is simply part of your daily route—be prepared to bring plenty of patience, because security preparations have already begun for the Republican Convention at the American Airlines Center (AAC) on Sept. 9 and 10.

This Thursday, crews started putting up metal fencing around the AAC, and there’s a lot of activity from heavy machinery, trucks, and workers in the surrounding streets.

A map from Dallas police shows planned street closures mainly around the American Airlines Center and Victory Park, which will begin Monday, Sept. 7, and remain in effect through Friday, Sept. 11.

The closures will create a secure outer perimeter that may require additional security measures for people who live and work near event venues, staging areas and other secured locations.

Checkpoints will be located at Payne Street and Victory Place.

“Those are going to potentially look like a vehicle access checkpoint where a vehicle screening would have to be done,” Foley said. “Pedestrians that may be trying to come into a secure area would have to undergo screening.”

Dallas police urged protesters to remain peaceful and to respect the established security zones. Dallas police are also working with protest groups to coordinate safe expression of their First Amendment rights.

“There will be areas with restricted access for security reasons; please do not attempt to cross barricades, fencing, or any law enforcement checkpoint,” said Dallas Police Assistant Chief Devon Polk.

Federal, state and local law enforcement officials said there has been no change in their security posture ahead of the convention.

Security for the convention is estimated to cost $1.8 million.

The Republican National Committee said it is willing to help cover those expenses, while Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert said city residents will not have to bear the cost.

Residents and Businesses

The U.S. Secret Service issued a statement with details residents and businesses in the area should know:

“In general, access to businesses and homes located within the affected areas will be maintained. However, vehicles and pedestrians entering cordoned areas will be required to undergo security screening or pass through checkpoints before entering the security perimeter. Vehicles and pedestrians will not be permitted to pass through that perimeter.”

Residents, employees, and others with a legitimate need to access locations within the security perimeter are encouraged to carry identification and any documentation that may help verify their need to enter, such as proof of residency, employment, parking access, or other relevant credentials.

Rideshare & Food delivery drivers

Rideshare vehicles and food delivery services will be subject to restrictions within the security perimeter. Visitors and service workers may be subject to security screenings or detours, depending on location, timing, and the security situation.

Anyone traveling to or from the affected area should plan ahead, allow extra time, follow posted signage, and comply with instructions from law enforcement and security personnel.

Security Checkpoints

For residents and businesses, vehicle security checkpoints will be set up on Payne Street, on the east side of the AAC. On the west side, there will be two checkpoints on Victory Place, located north and south of the AAC.

Prohibited Items

If you’re getting ready to attend the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, here’s what you won’t be allowed to bring.

The U.S. Secret Service shared a list of items that are prohibited at the convention, which will take place Sept. 9 and 10 at the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas:

• Weapons of any kind, including firearms and ammunition; knives of any size; bats; sticks; and scissors
• Aerosols
• Ammunition
• Animals that are not service or guide animals
• Backpacks and bags that exceed size restrictions
• Balloons
• Bicycles
• Coolers
• Drones and other unmanned aerial systems
• Explosives
• Flammable liquids
• “Flipper Zero”
• Glass, insulated, or metal containers
• Laser pointers
• Tear gas / pepper spray
• Packages
• Wi‑Fi router
• Rangefinders
• Raspberry Pi–compatible devices
• Recreational motorized mobility devices
• Selfie sticks
• Signs
• Structures
• Sign and banner supports
• Toy guns
• Any other item considered a potential security risk
• Purses and Bags

The agency said purses or bags cannot be larger than 5″x7″x1″. This includes:

• Handbags – purses
• Backpacks
• Suitcases – briefcases
• Crossbody bags
• Waist packs worn across the chest (Fanny Packs)
• Travel bags
• Duffel bags
• Laptop bags
• Drawstring bags

What will be allowed are clear purses or bags that do not exceed 12″x6″x12″. They may have logos, but only on one side, and the logo cannot be larger than 3.4″w x 4.5″h.

Concealed contents: this ban includes, but is not limited to, items or bags whose design or accessories—whether intentional or not—hide their contents or otherwise prevent compliance with thorough screening requirements.