EMERGENCY NEWSLETTER: FEDERAL CONTROL OF THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
| Dear Neighbors, On Monday, August 11th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order declaring a crime emergency in the District of Columbia. Under Section 740 of the Home Rule Act entitled: Emergency Control of Police, the President of the United States has the authority to declare an emergency, giving the federal government control and oversight of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Additionally, he announced that he would be deploying the National Guard and sending in various federal law enforcement officers to patrol the District. This act is unprecedented and dangerous for our communities. Federalizing MPD is an attack on our city’s right to self-govern and takes away the decision making from the leaders who know our neighborhoods best. History has shown that these actions do not make our communities safer and they will disproportionately affect people of color, who already face inequities in the justice system. I will continue to stand alongside my Council colleagues, community and city agency leaders, and neighbors to advocate for the restoration of local authority. I am committed to keeping neighbors and communities safe. Read the full DC Council statement in response to the Presidential Announcement here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:37359734-2968-4378-a8f3-accffc45121c |
| RESOURCES TO STAY SAFE |
| My office has been in contact with ACLU-DC and we will continue to work with them during this unprecedented time. Know Your Rights! When interacting with the police: https://www.acludc.org/know-your-rights/stop-and-frisk/ If you plan on protesting: https://www.acludc.org/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-demonstrations-dc/ Legal Help Seeking legal help from the ACLU and D.C.-based organizations: https://www.acludc.org/help/and https://www.acludc.org/resource-guide/ Immigrants’ Rights and Resources Knowing your rights, preparing for ICE raids, and legal support: https://www.acludc.org/immigrants-rights-and-resources-hub/ Homeless Shelters and Services Information about day-shelters, short-term and long-term housing, eviction prevention, and rental assistance: https://dhs.dc.gov/page/homeless-and-homelessness-prevention-services |