Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of the nation’s capital on Saturday, protesting President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy more than 2,000 National Guard troops to patrol Washington.
The “We Are All D.C.” march brought together a diverse coalition from undocumented immigrants to advocates for Palestinian statehood, all rallying under the same demand: end the military occupation of the city.
Marchers carried signs that read “Trump Must Go Now,” “Free D.C.” and “Resist Tyranny,” while chants echoed down Pennsylvania Avenue. For many, the message was about reclaiming their city from what they see as federal overreach.
Check out the MASSIVE crowd in DC marching to the White House to protest the federal takeover of the city! #FreeDC! pic.twitter.com/OF2LlOfkc1
— Nick Knudsen 🇺🇸 (@NickKnudsenUS) September 6, 2025
Trump ordered the deployment last month, saying it was necessary to “re-establish law, order, and public safety” in a city he claimed was gripped by crime. Along with the Guard, the administration placed the Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deployed federal law enforcement personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
But Justice Department data paints a very different picture: violent crime in Washington hit a 30-year low in 2024. Local leaders, civil rights groups, and residents have blasted the decision as unnecessary and unconstitutional.
Critics argue that Trump’s move is less about safety and more about testing the limits of executive power.
In a social media post earlier this week, Trump hinted at expanding the crackdown to other Democratic-led cities, posting an image parodying the Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now alongside threats to send troops to Chicago. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said he learned from reporters that ICE agents and military vehicles were already being staged.
The potential expansion has set the stage for a legal and political battle, with state and local officials vowing to resist federal interference.
Photo Credit: X/PenguinSix
