Councilman Trayon White Hosts “Know Your Rights” Training Amid Federal Takeover

Councilman Trayon White Hosts “Know Your Rights” Training Amid Federal Takeover

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — With federal patrols and heightened police presence continuing across the District, Councilman Trayon White is stepping in to provide guidance to his constituents. On Thursday, White will host a “Know Your Rights” training session aimed at equipping residents of Ward 8 — particularly youth — with tools to stay safe during the city’s federal takeover.

Protecting Ward 8 Residents

The session is designed to help residents understand how to navigate encounters with both local police and federal officers. According to organizers, the program will teach participants:

  • What their rights are when stopped or questioned

  • How to respond confidently during interactions with authorities

  • Ways to build connections and community support

“Residents deserve to feel safe and informed,” White said in promoting the event. “We want to empower Ward 8 to stand strong and protect themselves and their families.”

Rising Arrest Numbers

The training comes at a time when enforcement actions in the city are drawing scrutiny. The White House recently shared that a large portion of non-immigration-related arrests have occurred in Wards 7 and 8, neighborhoods already facing long-standing economic and social challenges.

Earlier this week, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that more than 630 arrests have been made in D.C. since the start of the federal takeover. Critics argue the aggressive measures disproportionately affect residents east of the Anacostia River.

Training Details

The “Know Your Rights” event will be held on:

  • Thursday, August 21

  • 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

  • Matthews Memorial Baptist Church, 2616 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE

The community-based training is open to all residents, with a special focus on helping young people who are more likely to encounter police patrols.

Building Community Confidence

Organizers stress that the goal is not just legal education but also community empowerment. By learning how to assert their rights and respond appropriately in high-stress encounters, residents can reduce risks while strengthening neighborhood solidarity.

“We’re not just talking about laws,” one organizer said. “We’re talking about dignity, confidence, and resilience in the face of a very difficult time for our community.”

Broader Context

The training follows ongoing federal crackdowns, which have included measures as broad as curfews and even scooter removals as part of a citywide enforcement operation that began in 2024.

For many in Ward 8, the event represents both a safety precaution and a symbol of resistance to policies they feel unfairly target their neighborhoods.

As D.C. continues to grapple with questions of autonomy and oversight, residents of Ward 8 say they are determined to be informed, prepared, and united.

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