Officials issued guidance to community members this week regarding the increased law enforcement presence in D.C., including the Trump administration’s deployment of the National Guard and actions to place the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control.
Officials updated a GW campus advisories website Sunday and sent an email to community members Tuesday answering frequently asked questions about how federal actions may impact the GW community. The website states the University does not anticipate a “direct impact” to operations at this time, but recommends students carry their government and student identification at all times and report suspicious or threatening behavior to GWPD or MPD.
“While we do not anticipate direct impacts to our operations at this time, you may notice increased law enforcement presence in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, as well as across the District,” the email said.
The federal presence in D.C. is currently surrounding areas with high tourist traffic, like the National Mall, but Army officials said today they would continue to deploy troops around Metro stations in the city, including the Foggy Bottom stop.
The tips outlined in the email include not letting strangers into GW buildings, not engaging with individuals seeking confrontation and encouraging students to make sure doors lock behind when entering and exiting buildings.
The email said future updates will be shared through the D.C. federalization campus advisory page.
“The safety of our community members remains GW’s highest priority, and we will keep our community informed of any new and relevant information that may affect them,” the website states.
The website said the MPD’s relationship with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies is “fluid,” citing the executive order MPD Chief Pamela Smith passed August 14, allowing MPD to assist federal immigration enforcement agencies by sharing information about people not in MPD custody.
The website also covered Attorney General Pam Bondi’s rescinding of the order later that day. Bondi’s order also rolled back several rules like prohibiting MPD from searching databases for an individual’s immigration status without a criminal warrant. The website also mentioned the lawsuit filed by the D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, which led to the federal government relinquishing control over MPD back to Smith in non-emergency situations on Friday.
The website states the University will closely monitor the relationship between MPD and ICE and links guidance previously posted by officials on how to respond to unannounced immigration visits.
The website also said federal law enforcement officers “generally” need a warrant signed by a judge to enter private residences, including dorm halls, unless they have permission from the resident or there are exigent circumstances, like a fleeing suspect.
These changes do not affect GWPD’s jurisdiction and authority in any way and if students have specific concerns, they should contact the Division of Student Affairs, according to the website.
The website provides a list of demonstration safety tips, like staying in a group and monitoring the behavior of others. It also provides a link to GW’s free expression website, which details what types of behavior is prohibited. The website also provides links to other safety resources, like the GW Guardian app and a link prompting users to sign up for GW alert texts.
