As President Donald Trump deploys the National Guard and immigration enforcement agents to cities across the United States, a significant movement is emerging in response. Activists in cities like Washington, D.C. and Chicago are organizing to resist what they view as an authoritarian escalation of state power. On September 6, 2025, Chicago witnessed a mass protest against these actions, highlighting the urgency of community mobilization.
In D.C., Black activists are at the forefront of this resistance. NeeNee Taylor, co-founder and executive director of Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, is leading efforts to counter the federal presence. Taylor, a native of the city, has long opposed policing practices that disproportionately affect Black communities. She argues that Trump’s claims of rising crime are unfounded, stating, “Trump is at the point where he wants to make [up] numbers and he wants to show like, yeah, D.C. is full of crime.”
Taylor emphasizes that policing cannot prevent crime but merely arrests individuals after offenses occur. Elected officials across party lines often resort to increased police presence as a solution to crime, a tactic that disproportionately impacts Black neighborhoods. Research conducted by Daanika Gordon at Tufts University supports this claim, revealing that predominantly Black neighborhoods are both over-policed in terms of surveillance and under-policed in terms of emergency services.
Organizing for Resistance
The implications of Trump’s deployment are alarming, with an estimated 2,000 additional National Guard troops and numerous ICE agents now patrolling D.C. streets. Taylor notes, “We have over 32 agencies that actually have oversight of the people in Washington, D.C. So what we didn’t need is more cops.” The presence of armed federal agents has led to heightened tensions and fear among residents, particularly in Black communities.
In Chicago, Richard Wallace, the founding executive director of Equity and Transformation (EAT), is also spearheading efforts against Trump’s militarization. Wallace believes that the focus on cities with significant Black populations, such as D.C. and Chicago, underscores a broader systemic issue. “It’s the nature of the United States particularly as it relates to the suffering of Black people. It has been chains and bondage since we got here,” he states.
The historical context of Black resistance to police violence dates back to events like the uprising in Ferguson, Missouri, following the killing of Mike Brown in 2014. Since then, movements under the banner of #BlackLivesMatter have proliferated, advocating for divestment from police forces and promoting abolitionist visions for society.
To empower newly activated community members, Taylor’s organization is offering online orientation sessions and training in a “court watch” program to enhance accountability within the judicial system. This initiative has mobilized over 500 new volunteers, who are being trained to observe legal proceedings and support community members facing legal challenges.
Building Community Alliances
As preparations continue, Wallace emphasizes the importance of rapid response actions and mutual aid networks. He acknowledges the challenges posed by federal police, stating, “We are all scrambling to put together a Know-Your-Rights toolkit.” His organization is collaborating with progressive attorneys to ensure that community members understand their rights when confronted by federal agents. This information will be disseminated widely, targeting liquor stores and corner shops to reach those most affected.
Solidarity between different communities is also a critical component of the response. Wallace’s organization is working closely with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) to support immigrant rights and foster cooperation between Black and immigrant communities in the face of federal aggression.
In D.C., the Free DC Project has initiated cop-watch programs and rapid-response teams that have successfully intervened against ICE actions. Volunteers are being trained in “Active Bystander Skills” to effectively respond to ICE situations, ensuring that community members are protected from unlawful detentions.
Taylor points out that Trump’s focus on cities with diverse populations is part of a broader strategy that reflects a disregard for community safety in favor of political control. “It’s nothing about safety, it’s nothing about crime, it’s about Trump wanting to control the United States of America in a dictatorial way,” she asserts.
As these communities continue to mobilize against federal police deployments, they are also pushing for long-term solutions to address the root causes of crime, such as wealth inequality. Wallace’s organization launched the Chicago Future Fund, a Guaranteed Income pilot program for formerly incarcerated individuals, providing participants with a no-strings stipend of $500 per month.
This innovative approach aims to demonstrate that investing in community well-being can lead to safer neighborhoods. Wallace believes that addressing systemic inequities is essential for reducing violence and improving public safety. “As an abolitionist, I’m in the practice of rebuilding the other,” he explains, advocating for alternatives to policing that can foster community safety and empowerment.
The situation remains fluid, but the resilience and determination of these activists signal a significant pushback against federal overreach. With a strong emphasis on community organizing, they are not only resisting current threats but also laying the groundwork for a more equitable future.
