Defend D.C. Home Rule and Protect Immigrant Rights

In recent days, the Trump administration has taken extraordinary steps to seize control of the Metropolitan Police Department, forcing D.C. police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement in violation of local sanctuary laws. This intervention undermines the District's hard-won right to self-governance, puts immigrant residents at risk, and sows fear throughout our community.

Attorney General Pam Bondi's directive compels D.C. police to share information with federal immigration authorities, despite city laws designed to protect immigrants from unjust detention and deportation. The increased presence of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops on our streets has created an atmosphere of anxiety and intimidation, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Washington, D.C. has long stood as a sanctuary city, committed to protecting all residents regardless of immigration status. The federal government's actions not only violate the spirit of the Home Rule Act but also threaten the safety and trust that are essential to effective policing and community well-being.

We call on all local and federal officials to respect D.C.'s autonomy, end the forced collaboration with ICE, and recommit to policies that protect immigrant families. Our city must not be used as a testing ground for anti-immigrant crackdowns or federal overreach.