Testimony before the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety on Heightened Federal Law Enforcement and National Guard Activities in the District; B26-0618, the Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Amendment Act of 2026; B26-0603, the Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Amendment Act of 2026; and B26-0549, the Safe Community Places and Policing Amendment Act of 2025

Background:
These bills underline the need for an end to the federal occupation in the District writ large, and the corresponding fear and harm experienced by District residents. These bills will bring much-needed information and transparency to the people of D.C., and will help to lift the shroud of secrecy around federal officer involvement with MPD. Following the passage of these bills, Council must also act to pass legislation that goes beyond transparency and allows people in the District to hold all law enforcement agents accountable when they violate our constitutional rights.

Our Position:
District residents have been subjected to heightened federal law enforcement and National Guard activities in the District, putting residents’ safety and lives at risk. The Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Amendment Act of 2026 and the Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Amendment Act of 2026 must be made permanent law. Council must also strengthen and pass B26-0549, the Safe Community Places and Policing Amendment Act of 2025. Finally, Council must act to allow federal officers who violate our rights in the District to be held accountable, as a necessary next step to these important transparency efforts.