Heightened Federal Presence Disturbs Back to School in DC

Federal Agents and Troops in D.C. Spark Anxiety as School Begins

A notably large mobilization of federal agents and National Guard troops descended on Washington, D.C. as children began the new school year in late August 2025, transforming everyday routines into scenes of tension and uncertainty for many families . Particularly in Black and immigrant neighborhoods, the sight of armed personnel near schools prompted widespread alarm—a reaction amplified by growing fears related to both racial profiling and potential encounters with immigration enforcement .

Community Fears: Deportation and Profiling

For Latino and immigrant families, the arrival of authorities affiliated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stirred deep fear of deportation and the possibility that children or relatives could be detained . Social media reports have spread warnings about possible checkpoints and arrests, fueling anxiety and leading some to question the safety of sending children to school. Meanwhile, many Black parents voiced concerns that increased law enforcement presence would mean a spike in racial profiling, further threatening the wellbeing of their children .

Trauma and School Disruption

This militarized atmosphere proved traumatic for families, with some considering keeping their children home or seeking remote learning alternatives . D.C. daycare workers and charter staff reported that parents were “extremely scared,” and discussions at home increasingly revolved around how children should interact with officers in uniform.

Polls and Official Pushback

A recent poll revealed that 80% of D.C. residents disapprove of the federal imposition on city policing, suggesting a stark disconnect between local community needs and federal priorities . Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the intervention, urging authorities to “leave our kids alone” and highlighting parents’ dilemma: choosing between safety and education .

School Efforts to Reassure Families

DC Public Schools (DCPS) sought to reassure parent, pointing to federal protections for student records and clarifying that law enforcement cannot act on school grounds without a valid warrant or court order. Schools made efforts to foster normalcy on day one, with staff greeting students and community members gathering outside schools to show support for immigrant families facing ICE anxiety.

Context of Deployment

The troop and agent deployment followed a federal declaration of a “crime emergency,” though local officials cited data showing that violent crime had reached a 30-year low prior to the intervention. Some Guard units stationed on the National Mall were unarmed, but those supporting police at transportation hubs carried firearms, underscoring the uneven approach to security in the city.

Community Resistance

As D.C. families faced an unprecedented start to the school year, the conflicting priorities of local leaders and federal policy have cast a long shadow, setting the stage for continued resistance and solidarity in defense of children’s safety and civil rights.