Protestors flood DC streets to oppose President Trump’s surge of federal law enforcement

WASHINGTON (7News) — On the third weekend of President Trump’s federal takeover in D.C., hundreds of protestors packed the city streets to voice their opinion.

“This is where we can hear each other,” Rev. Dr. John J. Cox said at the corner of 14th and U Street, NW, where National Guard members and federal agents have set up checkpoints in recent weeks. “This is where we can meet each other.”

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Cox, the senior pastor at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, walked alongside dozens of his neighbors to push back against the soldiers’ presence in the District, claiming law enforcement is targeting the community’s most vulnerable.

“We’re watching their rights being trampled upon. We’re seeing children made afraid in their communities,” Cox added. “We stand against that, and we’re here to make our voices heard.”

Demonstrators marched from U Street down to the National Mall, ending in the shadow of the Washington Monument to send a clear message to President Trump.

“The National Guard is most densely concentrated in the downtown. It’s a symbolic gesture,” Merawi Gerina with the D.C. Alliance told 7News’ Lianna Golden. “We are making a statement that this is our city.”

Gerina said they hope to mobilize the community the same time next weekend.

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Some of the youngest protestors in the crowd weren’t afraid to speak up, either.

“We are all humans, and we all need to be treated with respect,” Cecila Lugo, 13, said. “I hope, in the present, that this doesn’t touch any of the schools.”

“I really believe that people should have a say in what they believe is right,” Evie Marvin, 15, said.

Blocks over at the White House, the Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller defended the President’s authority on Friday.

“As President of the United States, he will not relent, and he will use every authority and tool at his disposal to ensure that the capital city of the United States is safe for all Americans,” Miller said. “We will never waver, and he will never waver from fulfilling that mission.”