Yes, you need a license for operating on ham radio frequencies and must follow FCC rules for operating as such. And yes, it is illegal to transmit encrypted data on ham frequencies. (And remember, singing any song besides happy birthday is also illegal -- thank you big corporations.)
Another point to consider is noise when trying to communicate. Text communications are better for this, but takes your eyes of the crowd. Blue tooth headsets may pick up too much noise. There are throat microphones that may cut down on the noise and are low profile.
If you have a body cam to take video, be sure to use a Class 10 memory card to allow for higher quality videos.
They don't have to be rich by American standards. To locals there, all Americans are rich. I had considered moving there myself. At the time, individuals only needed to prove $2k/mo income to get fast-tracked for residency, iirc. What bothered me was lack of rights like in USA, specifically the right to bear arms.
I'm hoping the confusion and holidays will keep the government shut down until after Jan 6th. If I understand correctly, that bill included the omnibus spending to keep government services running since they did away with the annual budget (which is normally passed in October, before elections) a number of years ago.
https://thedonald.win/p/11RNk3liU5/you-know-its-bad-when-even-huffi/c/
others are posting their own links as well
That guy was an outspoken critic of Obama's administration and was made an example. He was railroaded by Obama administration.