EMERGENCY PLANNING FOR DC FAMILIES: Part 2 – Staying Safe in DC During Federal Raids, ICE Activity, and National Guard Presence

(Written by Dr. Allison Sibley with contributions from Jozi Zwerdling & Michelle Pittman)

Many DC families are feeling scared and overwhelmed as our city faces an increase in ICE raids, National Guard presence, and federal policing ordered by President Trump. Families are asking urgent questions: How do I keep my children safe? How do I respond if I encounter officials? How do I help my community while protecting my family?

These are frightening times, and it’s important to remember two things: (1) You are not alone, and (2) there are concrete steps you can take to increase safety and stay connected to resources.

Below, we offer specific advice for Black and Brown families and for white families, because the risks, histories, and responsibilities differ. We also share community hotlines and resources so you know where to turn.

Tips for Black & Brown Families

For many Black, Brown, and immigrant families, this moment continues a long history of having to navigate policing and state surveillance. These tips draw from the wisdom of generations who have already had “the talk” with their children about safety and survival.

1. Recognize Signs of Federal Threats

• Be alert to unmarked cars or officials wearing tactical vests without clear MPD insignia.
• Assume that ICE and MPD may be working together. If unsure, act with caution.
• If you encounter ICE, federal agents, or MPD, and feel safe to do so, avoid interfering but document immediately from a distance—take video or photos (include location, date, faces of agents and any license plates or badge numbers you see agents using) and text to Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid (MSMA) Hotline: 202-335-1183, or call CASA’s National Hotline: 1-888-214-6016, or if you film/document a non-ICE arrest, send your footage to DC Safety Squad (a community harm reduction and rapid response group led by Harriet’s Dreams) at dcsafetysquad@proton.me
• Call MSMA when there is an active enforcement happening (people being interrogated/detained), text if you see agents but no active enforcement occurring [see attached slides]

2. Teach Your Children Safety Protocols

• Practice what to say if questioned: “I assert my right to remain silent. I assert my right to talk to a lawyer.”
• Remind children never to share immigration status or personal documents with anyone except a trusted adult.
• Establish safe meeting places if separated during a protest or raid.

3. Protect Yourself at Protests

• Always attend with a buddy.
• Write an emergency contact on your arm in marker. 
• Families can contact the National Lawyers Guild of DC for free legal support if needed.
• Leave unnecessary documents at home (passport, immigration paperwork, social security card).
• The current guidance is to bring ID wherever you go, but not any ID linking you to a different country of origin.  If you are an immigrant with documented status, the current guidance is to bring your paperwork proving your legal status, but make sure to leave copies at home & with your emergency contact. For children/teens, bring the copies with them instead of the originals.

• If violence escalates, move toward the edges of crowds and exit calmly.

4. Access Local Supports

• For unhoused families: Virginia Williams Family Resource Center: 202-526-0017.
• For unhoused youth: Sasha Bruce Hotline: 202-547-7777.
• For veterans: Veteran Affairs Office: 202-745-3012.
• For immediate shelter needs: Shelter Hotline: 202-399-7093.

Tips for White Families

White families may not experience the same direct threats in encounters with police or ICE, but you still have a crucial role. You can keep your family safe and use your privilege to protect neighbors and reduce harm.

1. Teach Awareness and Responsibility

• Help children recognize why Black and Brown neighbors are at greater risk of detention, violence, and profiling.
• Talk openly about privilege: “We may not be stopped or questioned the same way others are, and that’s unfair.”

2. Be a Safe Witness

• If you see ICE or federal officials in your neighborhood, document what you see. Text photos or video to MSMA DC Hotline: 202-335-1183 or call CASA: 1-888-214-6016.
• Call MSMA when there is an active enforcement happening (people being interrogated/detained), text if you see agents but no active enforcement occurring [see attached slides]
• Avoid interfering directly with officers, but stand nearby to observe. Your presence as a witness can de-escalate situations. It is not legal to interfere physically, but it is legal to film and ask the officers questions, as well as the person being detained, for their information. The recommendation is to stay as calm as you can to help de-escalate and be a calming presence for the community member being detained.

• Whenever possible, record the interactions and keep the recording focused on the officers, not the community member being detained, and make sure to document cross streets, time/date, any officer badges or license plates, officer uniforms, and faces even if covered. If possible, someone not recording should ask the person being detained for their name and emergency contact number

3. Prepare Your Teens for Protests

• Teach them to listen and take leadership cues from communities most affected.
• Remind them to move calmly if protests escalate and to avoid confrontations with police.

• Do NOT post recordings with community members’ faces in them to social media before getting guidance from the people most impacted and/or the lawyers & organizations helping them!
• Equip them with water, snacks, daily medications needed, masks, and emergency contacts written on their arm.
• Remind teens not to carry any substances that could result in arrest.

4. All Families–Use Your Voice Beyond DC 

• Because DC has limited autonomy, residents outside DC can pressure their representatives to end federal escalations. Encourage family or friends outside the city to take action by calling their members of Congress.
• Locally, get involved with groups like the Free DC Project that advocate for DC autonomy.

Final Thoughts

Safety in times of political oppression and civil unrest requires both protection and connection. Protect your family by knowing your rights, having clear safety plans, and using community hotlines. Stay connected by checking in with neighbors, supporting mutual aid networks, and teaching your children the values of empathy and resilience.

DC families—Black, Brown, and white—each have unique roles to play in this moment. Together, we can care for one another and resist fear by standing informed, alert, and united.