Local Leaders Continue to Organize Against ICE and Other Federal Agents

February 10, 2026

Washington D.C. justice leaders and community organizations are mobilizing to protect vulnerable populations from increased ICE and federal agent activities following violent enforcement operations in Minneapolis that resulted in two deaths. Local advocates are working to sever the connection between the Metropolitan Police Department and federal immigration enforcement agencies through upcoming public hearings, proposed legislation, and grassroots organizing. Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George has introduced legislation that would prohibit local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement without court orders and protect sensitive locations like schools and shelters.

Who is affected

Immigrant communities and communities of color in Washington D.C.
Residents of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area
Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti (killed during ICE operations in Minneapolis)
D.C. residents experiencing arrests, intimidation, and surveillance
Students and service recipients at shelters and schools potentially subject to federal enforcement
Latino community members in D.C.

What action is being taken

Community leaders are organizing campaigns, protests, rallies, boycotts, and solidarity initiatives
Keya Chatterjee and other community representatives are preparing to participate in the D.C. Council's Feb. 25 Judiciary Public Safety Oversight Hearing
DC Latino Caucus is supporting existing efforts by partnering with groups like Families not Feds DC and Free DC in attending protests and rallies
DCAARPR is conducting teach-ins on federal cooperation with ICE and working with students and allied groups
PSLDC is organizing anti-ICE initiatives and raising awareness about ICE's alleged plans to establish a headquarters in Southeast D.C.
DCAARP is hosting upcoming events for Black History Month and Philippine Solidarity Month

Why it matters

This situation represents a critical test of local autonomy and civil rights protections in the face of aggressive federal enforcement actions. The escalation of ICE operations from D.C. to Minneapolis, including the deaths of two individuals, demonstrates the potential for federal immigration enforcement to threaten public safety and erode community trust rather than enhance it. The proposed legislation and community mobilization efforts are significant because they challenge the collaboration between local police and federal agencies, which advocates argue disproportionately targets communities of color and undermines the fundamental rights of all residents. The outcome of these efforts will determine whether D.C. can effectively protect vulnerable populations and maintain separation between local public safety functions and federal immigration enforcement.

What's next

D.C. Council's Feb. 25 Judiciary Public Safety Oversight Hearing where advocates will offer testimonies and calls to action
DCAARP is hosting upcoming events in honor of Black History Month and Philippine Solidarity Month
Consideration of the Safe Community Places and Policing Amendment Act of 2025, introduced on Dec. 15
Continued teach-ins, protests, and grassroots organizing efforts by multiple community organizations

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer