D.C. Federalization
Updated Sept. 24, 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
- What is the current status of the President’s previously announced takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department?
President Trump’s 30-day federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), declared on August 11 under a crime emergency, expired on Sept. 10 and was not extended, which returned operational control of the MPD to the District.
Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not pursue an extension, citing steps taken by Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has emphasized cooperation with federal authorities. While MPD oversight will revert to local leadership, National Guard troops and federal law enforcement remain active under orders extended through November 30, and Mayor Bowser has issued an executive order directing her public safety team to coordinate with federal officials.
- 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.
- Has GWPD’s jurisdiction and authority changed?
No, the GW Police Department’s jurisdiction and authority on campus has not changed.
- 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.
- Is MPD working 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.
With the expiration of the 30-day emergency takeover of MPD on September 10, Mayor Bowser announced that MPD would no longer cooperate with ICE under the August 14 Executive Order.
Accordingly, it remains 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.
- Has MPD changed how it will enforce laws in areas other than immigration?
Operational control of MPD has now returned to the District. Mayor Bowser has issued an executive order directing her public safety team to coordinate with federal officials. Leadership and policing strategy are evolving. GW will monitor closely and advise the community of any further changes.
- If MPD continues to coordinate with federal law enforcement, 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.
- 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.
- Do I need to show my identification if stopped by law enforcement officers?
While there is no general legal requirement in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia to present identification on demand, you may be required to present identification in certain situations. For example, you may be required to show your driver’s license while driving on public streets, and provide identification to enter into government buildings and apply for government benefits. Foreign nationals must be able to show proof of their lawful immigrant status.
- If I am a citizen walking down the street, do I have to show identification when requested by law enforcement?
In general, no. Law enforcement officials may stop and ask you questions if you are in a public place, however they may only temporarily detain, search and question an individual if there is “reasonable suspicion” that the person has committed or is committing a crime. “Reasonable suspicion” is less than “probable cause,” but needs to be more than a hunch. The stop must be based on specific, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that criminal activity has been, is, or is about to occur. If you choose not to produce identification, you may be detained for a longer period of time.
A recent limited decision by the Supreme Court, however, gives Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials the latitude to stop individuals they suspect are illegally present in the U.S. based on their appearance, language (or accent), or place of work. (That limited decision is still subject to further review by the courts.)
- What kind of identification can I use to prove my citizenship?
A “Real ID,” a driver’s license or identification issued by a state under recently adopted federal standards, will likely be sufficient proof of citizenship for most situations. While a Real ID does not technically establish proof of citizenship, it does represent proof that the holder of the ID is lawfully living in the country, and generally meets federal security standards. You may also, however, choose to keep handy other standard forms of proof of citizenship: a passport or a birth certificate. Non-citizens must carry proof of their immigration status, e.g., green card, a physical copy of the Form I-94 record or nonimmigrant visa.
- 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.
Please note that these FAQs do not constitute legal advice, and members of the GW community with specific questions and concerns should consult with their own legal counsel.
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.