Know Your Rights in DC: Protecting Youth and Community in D.C.

 

On Wednesday, August 13, Free DC and Police Free Schools led a Youth Safety Strategy Meeting.

 

Several grassroots and youth-centered organizations came together for an urgent meeting focused on the safety, well-being, and power of DC youth. The groups facilitating this meeting included:

• Black Swan Academy (BSA)
• Police Free Schools (a program of BSA)
• Advancement Project
• DC Girls Coalition
• CARE Anacostia
• Social Justice Synergy

 

From the meeting, we took away key updates, legal context, and community safety strategies that every DC resident should know—especially our youth. 

 

What’s Happening Right Now in DC?

DC youth and community leaders are mobilizing in response to a recent federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act. This means:

• The federal Executive Branch now controls MPD for 30 days.
• Terry Cole has been appointed as the Interim Federal Administrator of MPD.
• MPD must now work with federal agencies like ICE.
• Any extension of federal control beyond 30 days must be approved by Congress.

 

What is the DC Home Rule Act?

More than 50 years ago, Congress passed the D.C. Home Rule Act, giving residents the power to elect local leaders, create local laws, manage their own budget (with congressional oversight), and run their own government—including control of the police department. The President was granted only limited authority under Section 740 to request temporary assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in case of a federal emergency. But on August 11, 2025, President Trump declared a “crime emergency” in D.C., claimed control over MPD, and installed Attorney General Pamela Bondi and DEA Administrator Terrance Cole to lead the department, despite crime in the District having dropped 26% since 2024.

 

D.C. leaders argue this move violates the law and strips the city of its right to self-govern. Bondi’s sweeping order sidelined the police chief, reversed policies limiting immigration enforcement, and put federal officials in charge of day-to-day policing, something Section 740 does not allow. The District has filed a lawsuit, seeking to block what it calls an unconstitutional power grab and restore control of MPD to the people of Washington, D.C.

 

What Does Federalization of MPD Mean for Our Communities?

• Increased likelihood of collaboration between MPD and federal agencies like ICE, which puts immigrant communities at risk.
• Federal priorities can override local safety and community priorities.
• Less transparency and local accountability.
• Youth—especially Black and brown youth—may face heightened criminalization and police encounters.

Know Your Rights When Dealing with Police

Protect yourself and others. Here’s what to do during police interactions:

1. REMAIN SILENT

• You have a 5th Amendment right to remain silent.
• If you’ve been formally charged, your 6th Amendment right kicks in. Ask for a lawyer and do not speak without one.

2. DO NOT CONSENT TO SEARCHES

• The 4th Amendment protects you from unlawful searches.
• Clearly state: “I do not consent to this search.”

3. YOU CAN FILM THE POLICE

• You have the right to record public police interactions.
• Keep your camera on the police, not the person being stopped.
• Ask the person being stopped if they’re okay, remind them they have the right to remain silent.

De-escalate whenever possible, and protect each other. Below are some know your rights resources that go in more detail. 

• • Peaceful Protests in D.C. 
  • Stop Street Harassment 
  • Know Your Rights Cards
    • Available in multiple languages, including Vietnamese, Spanish, Korean, Haitian Creole, Farsi, English, Chinese, Arabic, and Amharic.
  • I am Exercising My Rights Card

• Please note: Everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has rights and protections under the Constitution. However, immigration authorities and police won’t automatically assume you want to use those rights. It’s up to you to assert them, either by showing your Know Your Rights card or clearly stating that you are choosing to exercise your rights.

• Know Your Rights Flyers 
  • Flyers provide guidance on asserting constitutional rights in places such as homes, cars, public spaces, workplaces, schools, hospitals, courthouses, airports, and places of worship. Specific resources also address immigration detention, removal proceedings, police custody, and self-deportation risks.

What You Can Do in the Next 30–45 Days

1. Practice De-escalation: Learn how to intervene safely in tense situations and support youth.
2. Push Back Against Harmful Narratives: Don’t let the media criminalize DC youth. Share real stories that reflect our community.
3. Promote Restorative Practices: Center healing, not punishment. Advocate for alternative responses to conflict.

Community partners are working hard to create safe, empowered spaces for youth:

• DC Girls Coalition – Creating joyful, safe spaces for youth.
• CARE Anacostia – Building Safe Passages-style support in underserved areas.
• Advancement Project – Reclaiming narratives and spotlighting systemic issues.
• Black Swan Academy – Providing mutual aid and meeting youth’s basic needs.
• Social Justice Synergy – Setting up public transit allies, adult supports, and carpools.

More Resources

Stay informed and find more ways to help: Free DC Project. They will be leading a training on Know Your Rights for Youth. This will be a virtual meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 6–8 PM. If you plan on joining, please register in advance.