D.C. Students Return Amid National Guard Deployment, Federal Enforcement Surge

As students return to school in Washington, D.C., the city faces heightened tensions due to President Donald Trump's federal crackdown involving over 2,000 agents, officers, and National Guard troops. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed concerns about the federal presence, asserting that the city does not need troops to ensure students' safety and emphasizing local authority in managing school security. Federal agents have conducted immigration enforcement actions in public spaces, including arrests of food delivery drivers, prompting worries among immigrant communities and parents about safety near schools. Although ICE agents are not expected to be present at schools on the first day, officials have indicated they could enter campuses under exigent circumstances, raising fears among families, particularly immigrants and people of color. Community groups have responded by providing safety toolkits and encouraging rapid response networks to protect students and families. Despite these challenges, local education authorities highlight improvements in proficiency rates as the school year begins.