DC under occupation
Updated for Summer 2026
In August 2025, Trump deployed the National Guard to DC and temporarily took federal control of our local police force. At the time, he claimed this was to “reduce crime” in spite of the fact that crime in DC was at multiyear lows.
This regime wants control of DC because they want power — no matter the cost. We are witnessing this administration enable criminals, reward insurrectionists, violate civil rights, undo voter protections, and ignore the rule of law. The ongoing military occupation of DC is part of this regime’s illegal and immoral attempt to cling to power.
DC communities are paying the price.More than 11,000 people have been arrested in DC since August — often based on illegal searches and cases that fall apart in court. ICE has now arrested more than 20,000 people in our region, and DC has the highest rate in the nation of children separated from immigrant parents. In February, U.S. Marshals shot and killed Julian Bailey. Federal agents nearly killed Phillip Brown and Justin Bryant Nelson. Agents have pointed weapons at bystanders, deployed flashbangs in residential neighborhoods, chased children, and more.
Now the regime is promising a “summer surge” of even more federal agents. DC already has the highest number of police per capita of any place in the country. If more police made us safe, DC would be the safest place in the country. Instead, like we are witnessing across the country, this regime’s police forces are going to endanger our communities in ways that are racialized and a fundamental threat to democracy.
Ahead of a potential summer’s surge, here are resources everyone in DC can use to keep each other safe and make it clear this occupation needs to end.
What Works
History teaches us what works in moments like this one. The five principles above guide all of Free DC’s organizing, especially in moments of crisis. Join an upcoming Campaign Orientation to learn more.
Trainings
Learn key skills needed to respond to incidents in real time.
Resources
Black and Brown youth, neighbors who are homeless, people who are queer and disabled, and communities East of the River will experience some of the most severe harm of any surge of federal law enforcement.
Here are some ways the broader DC community can help groups who serve these populations during this period of increased threat.
Updated June 2, 2026
DC Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid
DC Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid (MSMA) started in 2022 when Texas Governor Greg Abbott began busing asylum seekers to DC as part of a racist and cruel publicity stunt. Since then, MSMA has grown to be one of the leading organizing working to directly support immigrant communities in the DC region. They have a number of materials for immigrant families including Know Your Rights, emergency planning resources, contact info for legal service providers, mutual aid resources, and printable fliers. Their ICE Emergency Hotline number is 202-335-1183. If you witness active ICE enforcement, call or text the hotline to report it. Explore MSMA’s resource hub »
Film the Police DC
Filming the police is a crucial way we can all keep each other safe as DC communities experience increasing rates of harassment, profiling, arrest, and violations of our rights by law enforcement.
Taking photographs and video of things that are plainly visible in public spaces is a constitutional right. Learn more about how to film the police and submit your photos or videos at FilmThePoliceDC.org.
Video: “We Have Rights When Documenting ICE”
This short and accessible video by WITNESS and Brooklyn Defender Services helps you learn how to document Immigration and Customs Enforcement safely, ethically and effectively. This video is part of WITNESS’s robust library of information and resources. Watch the video »
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless: Legal Monitor Program
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless’s Legal Monitor Program helps protect the rights of unhoused DC residents by training monitors to deter government overreach, document evidence, and provide peace of mind to those targeted.
If you are interested in volunteering as a neutral and objective monitor, particularly as we confront potential increased enforcement due to “America 250” events, join WLCH for an online informational session on Thursday June 4.
Pledge: We Go Together
“Right now in DC, our communities are under heightened surveillance and policing, and it’s not safe for Black people to move alone. The We Go Together pledge with Harriet’s Wildest Dreams encourages Black neighbors to always move with someone you trust, check in with each other, and have each other’s backs.” Sign the pledge »
Printable zines: “Know Your Rights” and “Youth Know Your Rights”
Free printable zines you can print and fold at home, for distribution in your community. Watch a tutorial on how to fold these zines.
Recorded training: “Know Your Rights for Protestors”
This Know Your Rights training from National Lawyers Guild that is designed to teach activists, community members, legal workers and professionals, lawyers and law students how to navigate police interactions during protests. The training will cover considerations for supporting marginalized groups and communities in the streets, and includes tips and tools people can utilize as tactics when tensions become heightened. Watch the recorded training.
Have requests or resources to add to this page?
Send them to us at team@freedcproject.org