WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Saturday, September 6, 2025, thousands of Washington D.C. residents and activists took to the streets to protest the deployment of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement, which they have labeled an “occupation” of the nation’s capital. The demonstration, known as the “We Are All D.C.” national march, called for an immediate end to the military presence, which was ordered by President Donald Trump to combat rising crime.
The protesters, a diverse group including undocumented immigrants and supporters of Palestine, marched through the city chanting slogans like “Trump must go now,” “Free DC,” and “Resist Tyranny.” Many carried signs and posters to express their outrage. Alex Laufer, a protester, stated, “I’m here to protest the occupation of D.C. We’re opposing the authoritarian regime, and we need to get the federal police and the National Guard off our streets.”
President Trump initiated the deployment last month, citing a need to “re-establish law, order, and public safety.” The order placed the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and also brought in federal agents, including members of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to patrol the streets. This move came despite Justice Department data for 2024 showing that violent crime in Washington D.C. had reached a 30-year low.
The National Guard, which typically reports to state governors, is under the direct command of the President when deployed to Washington D.C., a self-governing federal district. This direct chain of command has fueled concerns among critics who fear the President is using the district as a testing ground for authoritarian control. “What they’re trying to do in D.C. is what they’re trying to do with other dictatorships,” said a protester named Casey, who chose to not give his last name. “They’re testing D.C., and if people tolerate it enough, they’re gonna do it to more and more areas. So we have to stop it while we still can.”
More than 2,000 troops, including contingents from six Republican-led states, are currently patrolling the city. While the Army has extended the D.C. National Guard’s orders until November 30, it remains unclear when the full mission will conclude.
The deployment has been met with mixed reactions from city officials and residents. On Thursday, Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit to block the troop deployment, arguing that it is unconstitutional and violates multiple federal laws. However, some residents have welcomed the increased security, particularly in less affluent areas where they feel crime is more prevalent. The National Guard’s presence has been most visible in the downtown and tourist areas.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has praised the “surge” of federal law enforcement for contributing to a “sharp decline in crime,” including carjackings. Although she hopes the National Guard’s mission will end soon, she has signed an order for the city to coordinate with federal law enforcement.