WASHINGTON, D.C. — Demonstrations continued in the nation’s capital Monday as more than 200 protesters gathered at 14th and U Streets NW for a rally titled “Federal Forces Out of DC.” The group demanded the withdrawal of federal law enforcement from the city, arguing that the takeover has created fear and tension among residents.
Federal Takeover Sparks Daily Protests
The rally marked the eighth consecutive day of demonstrations since President Donald Trump ordered a federal policing takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. His directive, which included deploying hundreds of federal officers and National Guard members, has drawn sharp criticism from activists and local leaders who say the move undermines the city’s autonomy.
Protesters expressed particular alarm that federal officers in D.C. are often unidentifiable and potentially armed, making it difficult for residents to know which agencies are patrolling their neighborhoods.
“For the people being targeted, it is an extremely scary time,” said Keya Chatterjee, Executive Director of Free DC, the group that organized Monday’s rally. “For a lot of other people in D.C., there is a real palpable sense of defiance right now.”
Calls for Community Investment
Speakers at the rally urged federal officials to redirect resources away from militarized policing and toward housing and social services.
“It costs over $420,000 a day to deploy the D.C. Guard,” said Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Homelessness Law Center. “It costs $47,000 a year to get somebody off the street and into housing for one year. For one day of D.C. Guard activation, we could solve homelessness for nine people.”
Advocates argued that long-term investments in housing, education, and community support would do far more to improve safety than a federal crackdown.
Residents Voice Fears of Escalation
Many attendees said the federal presence has heightened anxiety across the city.
“It’s anxiety filled,” said protester Heather Griffis. “You wake up every day and you’re not sure what’s going to happen. You’re not sure how it’s going to affect you, your family, or your friends.”
Others warned that what is happening in Washington could soon spread elsewhere. “If it can happen in the capital, it can happen in any U.S. city,” one demonstrator noted.
Symbolic Acts of Resistance
To maintain momentum and visibility, Free DC is urging residents to join a nightly protest from their homes. At 8 p.m. each evening, residents are asked to bang pots and pans for five minutes to show solidarity with those opposing the federal takeover.
“It’s a really important tactic,” Chatterjee explained. “Just through sound, people can know that there are so many others out there willing to stand up with us.”
Looking Ahead
As protests continue, activists say their message is clear: Washington, D.C. should control its own police force without interference from the federal government. With federal troops and officers still deployed, the coming weeks are likely to see ongoing demonstrations — and growing pressure on national leaders to justify or reverse the takeover.
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