The people of Washington, DC are hurting. They are frustrated. Their rights are being violated.

It was clear on day one of the federal takeover, and it remains clear today: this is not about community safety or the wellness of DC residents. There are laws in place that provide for additional federal support in DC in case of an emergency. But there is no crime emergency – DC’s crime rates have been steadily declining. The federalization of the MPD, the cooperation between the MPD and ICE, and the vast numbers of National Guard troops roaming our streets are not necessary.

There are, however, ongoing emergencies in DC that are worth the dollars and resources being poured into over-policing and ICE raids. DC currently has the highest rate of unemployment in the country. Food insecurity is skyrocketing: we have the highest rate of food insecurity among seniors. Tens of thousands of residents are waiting for housing vouchers, some for over 20 years. Health outcomes vary widely by income and race. These are all man-made problems, and they all have solutions.

But instead of solving these harmful issues, DC residents are being unlawfully detained. They are being taken from the streets, from school drop-off lines, pulled out of cars, and removed from their workplaces. It is unclear where detained and unhoused neighbors are ending up. Family and friends are searching for loved ones. The vast majority of Washingtonians do not approve of the police and federal troop surge.

The mayor’s statements are dangerous. Acceptance, and even approval, of the Trump Administration’s unlawful actions in the District now means a mandate to push these actions into more cities and more states later. The mayor does not speak to the values of the majority of her constituents.

We call on our local representatives to resist and support the people of DC. We call on Congress to act to stop this unprecedented federal overreach. We ask the attorney general to use the full power of his office to ensure that an unlawful federal presence does not exceed the legal 30-day limit as set by the Home Rule Act, and for all actions taking place within this takeover to adhere to the law. For those who are resisting similar domestic military deployments into your cities, your states, and your homes – we stand with you. Please continue to stand with us in DC, home to over 700,000 residents, against this oppressive occupation.