I am aware of patrols by National Guard and increased federal law enforcement presence this morning at Bruce-Monroe Elementary School and in Park View. I have confirmed with my own eyes that federal law enforcement is still present in the vicinity of the school, as children are playing outside for recess at Park View Recreation Center.
As the National Guard, ICE, HSI, DEA, and other federal agencies patrol our streets, our residents continue to live in fear. This is unacceptable. Our kids and their families should be able to go to school without feeling intimidated and scared of armed guards lining the sidewalks. Our schools should be welcoming environments for our students, just as our District should welcome all who wish to call it home.
Neighbors and parents are out talking with the agents and asking them to step away from the school building, explaining that their presence is scaring the children. Neighbors have reported being told that this activity is part of the ‘Safe and Beautiful’ effort led by President Trump. Of course, I believe that this makes our community neither safe nor beautiful.
I have spoken with MPD 4th District leadership and they have agreed to ask federal law enforcement partners to avoid patrolling in the vicinity of the school. (This follows a request I made earlier in the week to have them stop patrolling in North Columbia Heights.) My understanding is that MPD was also present this morning as part of the Joint Task Force. That will keep happening until Mayor Bowser rescinds the cooperation order.
I have spoken with school leadership to check in and make sure they have the support and resources they need. Parents and neighbors will continue to be outside the school today during recess and dismissal, and at arrival tomorrow.
I want to commend the community members who are out today keeping our kids protected from the reality of the federal presence in our city. I want to thank school leadership for doing all they can with limited resources to keep our students safe. I’m so proud of our community.
The National Guard has no business being here in the District of Columbia. The FBI has no business patrolling our schools. It’s time for federal agents to leave our communities alone. It’s time for the Mayor to rescind the cooperation order. It’s time for the MPD chief to rescind the cooperation order.
The people of Ward 1 are resilient, as we have shown time and again over the 13 months of this shameful federal occupation. We will continue to stand up for one another, fight for one another, and protect one another.