Policy Update: NASW Metro DC statement opposing federalization of the District, Call to Volunteer for local nonprofits stretched hard by the Home Rule crisis; DC says, “Not today!” in lawsuit to reclaim crime victim funding; election leaders vow to maintain DC mail-in ballots and ballot boxes despite pending EO  

(Week of Aug. 18-22, 2025) 

• NASW Metro DC Releases Statement Opposing Trump’s “Crime Prevention” Enforcement, Poor Treatment of Undocumented Migrants and Unhoused People

• Call to Volunteer: DC Nonprofits Need Help Serving Targeted Populations of the Federal Law Enforcement Campaign in DC

• Virginia Becomes Latest State Sending National Guard to DC for “Behind-the-Scenes Support” in Trump’s “Crime Intervention” Surge

• DC Joins 20-State Lawsuit to Regain Cut Funding for Crime Victims

• Election Officials Vow That DC Will Retain Mail-In Ballots, Ballot Boxes Despite Pending Executive Order

DC Home Rule, Criminal Justice: In case you missed our email this week, NASW Metro DC released a statement voicing our strong opposition to President Trump’s federalization of DC police and Metro workers, targeting of undocumented migrants, enforcement involvement of 10 federal agencies, and deployment of 800 National Guard members to the District under the dubious pretext that it will decrease crime and homelessness. “President Trump’s invocation of Section 740 of the Home Rule Act to take control of the District’s police department--and especially the administration’s cruel disregard for the realities of the city’s unhoused population and undocumented migrants--will not end crime, homelessness, or asylum seeking, nor even ensure the sustained ‘beautification’ of DC,” declares the NASW Metro DC Chapter statement. “Our capital is already beautiful, as are our fellow 700,000 residents.”

DC Home Rule, Criminal Justice: Virginia became the latest of four Republican-led states to send National Guard troops to DC this week, although Gov. Youngkin claimed servicemembers would provide “behind-the-scenes support,” not conduct street patrols—yet—although they may soon carry firearms. Since August 8, immigration officers have arrested 164 people it claims are undocumented, as well as more than 200 other individuals for gun charges, drugs, DUIs, and two assaults. The arrests are highest in majority-Black, low-income Wards 7 and 8.

Call to Volunteer: Nonprofits serving many of the targeted populations of the DC law enforcement campaign such as undocumented migrants and unhoused people are calling for volunteers and ground coffee donations. Virginia social workers can help respond to callers to the DC Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network's ICE hotline or shop, transport people, deliver food, serve meals, and help DC nonprofits providing aid to people living in fear of leaving their homes.

Federal Funding Cuts: DC joined 20 states in filing a new lawsuit Monday in response to the Trump administration’s stripping of some crime-victim funding from states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement policies. The $1-billion was allocated in 2024 to help serious-crime victims recover lost wages, pay mental and physical medical expenses, obtain emergency shelter, and cover funeral costs.  

Although DC has the constitutional authority to choose when, where, and how elections are held, President Trump will soon issue an executive order seeking to ban voting machines and mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Voting rights advocates such as NASW Metro DC and NASW oppose those moves, saying they disenfranchise people with disabilities, older adults, active military abroad, and others who take advantage of these proven ways to increase voting access and convenience. DC and eight states automatically mail ballots to all registered voters. Trump’s announcement came after he said Russian President Vladimir Putin told him (with no evidence given) that Trump would have won the presidency earlier if mail-in ballots were not allowed. Mail-in ballots accounted for nearly one-third of all votes cast in the 2024 election, according to a U.S. Election Assistance Commission report released in June.