The Trump administration has deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement agents to cities against the wishes of their residents and elected officials. While elected officials may not be able to stop the Trump administration from sending troops and federal officers to their city, there are concrete policies they can enact to limit cooperation and minimize harm.
That’s why we put together this resource outlining how you can demand your elected officials take action.
Limit or Withdraw Agreements
Many cities have agreements with federal agencies to combat to terrorism, the distribution of fentanyl, and organized retail crimes.
While these agreements are typically limited to specific federal agencies and specific categories of crimes, they could be leveraged to force local law enforcement agencies to support federal deployments.
Officials can and should remove overly broad agreements and seek ways to modify or withdraw them prior to deployments.
Stop or Restrict Information Sharing
Federal law enforcement agencies have access to data in many databases used by local law enforcement officers, including the National Crime Information Center database. By using these databases, local governments may be unintentionally facilitating federal law enforcement efforts to detain and arrest their residents.
Cities and states can stop participating in databases and fusion centers that share information with the federal government OR pass local or state legislation regulating their use.
Prohibit Local Law Enforcement Cooperation
Municipal and state executives can direct local law enforcement not to coordinate with federal troops and law enforcement officers. For example, in Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an Executive Order prohibiting employees from cooperating with deployed troops and federal agents. These prohibitions can ensure decisions about cooperation are not left to the discretion of local law enforcement leadership or individual officers.
Minimize Low-Level Arrests
Minimizing low-level arrests can also protect residents from federal law enforcement contacts and abuses—particularly immigration enforcement efforts. By adopting laws that decriminalize or prevent arrests for low-level criminal offenses, cities and states can ensure their residents are not logged in databases, detained in jails, or recorded in forums where federal law enforcement can locate them.
The impact of federal deployment efforts largely depends on support and cooperation from state and local law enforcement. Your local elected officials have a menu of options to limit cooperation and minimize the harm of federal presence in your state and city. You have the power to demand they take action now. Read the full guide for demanding local action here.