Defend Democracy and Community Safety: Oppose Federal Takeover of D.C. Police

On Monday, President Trump invoked emergency powers to federalize Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department, citing a rise in youth crime and criticizing the city's approach to juvenile justice. This unprecedented move strips D.C. residents of their right to self-governance and threatens to escalate tensions in our communities.

Instead of addressing the root causes of youth violence—such as poverty, lack of access to education, and insufficient mental health resources—federal authorities and some law enforcement groups are calling for harsher prosecution of young people and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. These punitive measures have been shown to increase recidivism and disproportionately harm marginalized communities, especially Black and brown youth.

We reject the narrative that more policing and federal intervention will make our city safer. Real public safety comes from investing in our communities: supporting youth programs, expanding mental health care, providing stable housing, and ensuring good jobs and education for all.

We call on President Trump, Congress, and Mayor Bowser to immediately end the federal takeover of D.C.'s police, reject calls for harsher youth prosecution, and invest in community-based solutions that address the true causes of violence and support the well-being of all D.C. residents.