Federal Surge Highlights Potential for Racial, Socioeconomic Solidarity, Organizers Say

September 8, 2025

A massive protest titled "We Are All D.C. national march" recently took place in Washington D.C., drawing over 10,000 participants who demonstrated against the federal occupation of the District, which is approaching its 30-day mark. The protest, organized by the Free DC movement in collaboration with various unions and community organizations, came in response to President Trump's invocation of Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act, which placed District officials under the authority of the U.S. Attorney General. Many D.C. residents, including educators and community activists, have criticized Mayor Muriel Bowser for what they perceive as cooperation with the Trump administration, with some arguing that her recent mayoral order establishing protocols for federal agents legitimizes the federal presence rather than resisting it.

Who is affected

District residents of various racial and socioeconomic backgrounds
Black residents in communities east of the Anacostia River
Students and youth in predominantly Black, low-income neighborhoods
Immigrant populations targeted by ICE raids
District businesses reporting declining profits amid fears about ICE raids
Residents who have been detained for documenting law enforcement interactions
Local community organizations and their organizing capabilities

What action is being taken

The "We Are All D.C. national march" brought together over 10,000 protesters on Pennsylvania Avenue
Free DC movement is collaborating with activists from other cities like Chicago and Los Angeles to develop resistance strategies
Community members are recording law enforcement interactions with youth and ICE agents' interactions with migrants
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration
Mayor Bowser has issued a mayoral order establishing the Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center to address requests from federal law enforcement
Residents are organizing in affected communities to provide protection and document potential abuses
Local leaders and neighbors are continuing their community-based crime prevention efforts that were in place before the federal surge

Why it matters

The federal occupation represents an intrusion on D.C.'s home rule and local governance
It disproportionately affects Black and immigrant communities through increased policing and ICE activities
The situation highlights longstanding issues of overpolicing in majority-Black, low-income neighborhoods
It creates tensions between local officials and federal authorities over crime management approaches
The occupation occurs despite crime reportedly trending at a 30-year low according to the U.S. Attorney's Office
The diverse coalition formed in response demonstrates how the issue has unified groups that are typically divided on local politics
It connects to broader questions about D.C. statehood and local autonomy

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer