by A mix of local and federal authorities pulled over drivers for seat belt violations or broken taillights on a busy street in Northwest Washington Wednesday night, sparking tensions over President Donald Trump’s deployment of federal law enforcement. Nearly 100 onlookers chanted, “Go home, fascists.”
More than 20 law enforcement personnel were present at the checkpoint, which seemed to start at around 8 p.m. Many of them were wearing vests marked HSI, or Homeland Security Investigations, and facial coverings. The presence of Enforcement and Removal Operations, a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that detains and expels undocumented immigrants, was indicated by several vests. At the bustling junction of 14th and W streets NW, they pulled over scores of automobiles in front of a veterinary clinic, a high-end outdoor clothing store, and a well-known chain bakery.
At least two people were taken into custody. A Spanish-speaking man was carried into an unmarked black pickup, and the red Kia he was driving was towed by a D.C. police truck. As the crowd assembled on the sidewalks jeered and shouted for officers to read the Constitution, a woman was placed in handcuffs.
A D.C. police official forwarded additional inquiries regarding the checkpoint to the White House and verified Wednesday evening that the department had assisted in transporting an arrested man.
Days after Trump sent the National Guard and federal law enforcement onto the streets of D.C., the federal force demonstration took place. Even if violent crime is at 30-year lows, he described the nation’s capital as a lawless wasteland during a news conference on Monday. Tuesday night, the federal presence started to increase; according to a White House official, federal law enforcement teams made 43 arrests, the U.S. Border Patrol helped apprehend a dirt-bike rider in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, and National Guard troops placed Humvees near the Washington Monument.
Agents were verifying for driving eligibility and status, an officer at the scene informed yelling witnesses. When a ride-sharing car was pulled over, the people in the back rolled down the windows and yelled at the onlookers about the things the police were asking their driver, including whether they were asking about their immigration status.
Questions about the number of charges and whether civilians were questioned were not answered by the White House on Wednesday night.
Before heading a few blocks south to warn people, a group scurried into a CVS store close to the checkpoint and came out with hurriedly created signs that stated ICE and Police checkpoint ahead. Ice Ice Baby was shouting from the sidewalk. A few individuals yelled instructions at the drivers, urging them to either ask for their badge numbers or keep quiet.
One lady yelled at the police, “Sir, you don’t want to do this.” This historical role is not what you want. To serve and protect, you performed this duty. Observe how they are treating you. The community is this.
Around ten o’clock at night, police left the area.
