D.C. Federalization
Updated August 20, 2025
The university is monitoring the Administration’s actions that have increased federal law enforcement presence and deployed the National Guard in the District of Columbia. 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. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the university will provide updates as the situation changes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How will the Administration’s actions affect campus safety and security?
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.
- How is GW responding?
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. At this time, we do not anticipate an impact to GW’s operations. The university remains in close contact with local and federal authorities and will provide updates as needed.
- Does this action change GWPD’s jurisdiction and authority?
No, the GW Police Department’s jurisdiction and authority on campus does not change.
- What should I do in an emergency situation?
GW’s Emergency Procedures have not been affected. If you are on campus, call GW Emergency Services at 202-994-6111. You can also dial 911.
- Does this action change how MPD works with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
The situation is highly fluid. On Aug. 14, MPD amended its procedures, through an Executive Order, to allow MPD to assist federal immigration enforcement agencies by sharing information about persons not in MPD custody (e.g., during traffic stops) and by providing transportation for federal immigration agency employees and detained subjects.” MPD’s position did not change, however, with respect to not assisting federal immigration officials in other areas, including, for example, arresting individuals based solely on federal immigration warrants.
Later on Aug. 14, Attorney General Pam Bondi rescinded MPD’s Executive Order as well as prior MPD rules that prohibited MPD from arresting individuals based on administrative warrants, assisting federal agents during arrests, and searching databases for an individual’s immigration status without a criminal warrant.
The D.C. Attorney General subsequently issued a statement that AG Bondi’s directives are unlawful and filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in D.C. According to late-breaking media reports on Aug. 15, during a Court hearing the Administration agreed to relinquish control of MPD back to the MPD Chief, but it is unclear to what extent MPD will continue to cooperate with federal immigration authorities under AG Bondi’s directive.
GW will monitor closely and advise the community of any further changes. As a reminder, guidance is available for responding to unannounced visits by government officials for immigration-related actions, and the International Services Office website includes additional guidance.
- Does this action change how MPD will enforce laws in areas other than immigration?
This situation is also fluid. Late on Aug. 14, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an order naming Terry Cole, the Administrator of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, as MPD’s “emergency police commissioner, empowering him to assume the full powers of the D.C. police chief and issue department policy.” MPD's enforcement of local laws may experience shifts in the short term as a result.
The D.C. Attorney General has since filed a lawsuit challenging the order. According to late-breaking media reports on Aug. 15, during a Court hearing the Administration agreed to relinquish control of MPD back to the MPD Chief. MPD leadership and policing strategy are evolving. GW will monitor closely and advise the community of any further changes.
- Now that MPD is under federal control, can they come into the residence halls or my room?
Federal law enforcement officers, just like local law enforcement officers, generally need a warrant, signed by a judge, to enter a private residence such as a residence hall room, unless there are specific exceptions like exigent circumstances or consent by the resident. (Common exigent circumstances include: hot pursuit of a fleeing suspect, the imminent destruction of evidence, an immediate risk to the life or safety of a person, and the need to protect police officers or the public from harm.)
- What should I do if I am approached by law enforcement, including the National Guard?
- Carry your government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport and/or visa, Alien Registration Card) and GWorld with you at all times so that you are able to provide identification, if asked.
- Ensure a trusted friend/relative has copies of your important documents.
- Ensure a trusted friend/relative knows your correct Alien Registration Number and country of birth.
- How should the GW community be prepared?
No specific actions are required at this time. GW will provide updates if and when any such measures need to be taken by members of the campus community.
For additional safety and security resources, visit the Safety website or download the GW Guardian app. Emergency management information from the district is also available online.
All GW community members are automatically signed up to receive GW emergency email alerts. You can also sign up for text alerts by adding a mobile phone number to your GW Alert account. You can add up to three email addresses and phone numbers so that friends and family may also receive GW emergency alerts. Visit the GW Alert webpage for instructions on how to manage your account.
- If GW community members have individual concerns, where should they go?
If students have individual concerns, they are encouraged to reach out to the Division for Student Affairs at students
gwu [dot] edu (students[at]gwu[dot]edu) or visit in person at the Student Center, 2nd Floor. The team is here to listen, provide guidance, and connect students with the right resources to address their needs.Faculty may contact the Office of Faculty Affairs, and staff may contact their unit’s HR business partner Wellbeing resources including GW’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are available for both faculty and staff.
Campus Advisories
The university will continue to monitor updates and communicate timely safety information on Campus Advisories and through GW Alerts via email and text message.
More information on adjustments to operations, safety resources, and FAQs follows below. For additional information, contact the relevant university office directly.
GW Alert Texts
All students, faculty, and staff receive GW Alerts by email; however, you must opt in to receive GW Alerts by text.
Safety Resources
General Safety Tips
- Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious or threatening behavior immediately to GWPD at 202-994-6111 or the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department through 911.
- Do not engage with individuals seeking a confrontation.
- If there is a disturbance, seek shelter indoors until normal conditions return.
- Observe directions from law enforcement personnel.
- Make sure doors close and lock behind you as you arrive and depart.
- Do not allow strangers into GW buildings.
- Carry identification and your GWorld at all times.
Demonstration Safety Tips
If large crowds start to gather and you choose to exercise your First Amendment rights, we urge you to follow these tips:
- Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious behavior.
- Monitor traffic reports, weather reports and emergency notifications.
- Share your plan with someone outside your group.
- Stay with your group. Have a predetermined plan on where to meet if you get separated.
- Have a secondary communication plan in case cell phone signals are limited.
Free Expression at GW
Visit GW’s Free Expression website for related GW policies, procedures, examples of likely permitted and prohibited expressive activities and FAQs.
Additional Safety and Security Resources
For more safety and security resources, visit the Safety website or download the GW Guardian app. Additional emergency management information from the District of Columbia is also available online.
Emergency Alerts
GW’s Office of Emergency Management will send email and/or text alerts to the entire GW community if necessary. The latest safety and security information will be posted on Campus Advisories.
All GW community members are automatically signed up to receive GW emergency email alerts. You can manage your GW Alert account to also receive GW text alerts on your mobile device. In addition to adding your mobile number, you can add up to three email addresses and phone numbers so that friends or family may also receive GW emergency alerts. Visit GW Alert FAQs for instructions on how to manage your account. In addition, the GW Guardian App will push GW emergency alerts directly to the app, as well as other safety information.