ACLU-DC Statement on Mayor’s Veto of Federal Transparency Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser vetoed emergency legislation unanimously passed by the District Council, providing greater transparency during interactions involving both federal agents and local law enforcement. The Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Amendment Act of 2026, which was passed by the Council on March 3, requires officers of the Metropolitan Police Department to document arrests that involve federal agents.

The American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia is among the many supporters of the legislation.

“At a time when federal agents have surged into our neighborhoods, and National Guard troops are occupying our streets, transparency is more important than ever,” said Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of D.C. “This bill provides a level of transparency that we don’t have right now. The people of D.C. have every right to know what is happening on our streets. They have a right to know who is doing what and why. While the Trump administration shrouds agents' behavior in secrecy and allows federal law enforcement to act with no repercussions, the District can and should be accountable to the people by showing how these agents are treating us. That’s the first step toward accountability for the abuse and degrading of our rights that the administration has undertaken.

“We are deeply disappointed in the mayor’s veto. But Council is not powerless. This legislation passed unanimously because Council members understood the urgency of a measure like this. Council members did the right thing for the people of the District when they passed this bill, and their principled leadership shouldn’t be lost simply because the mayor disagrees. We urge Council to overturn the mayor’s veto as quickly as possible.”

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