Free DC!

D.C. residents deserve a Councilmember who will name what we're facing: fascism, white supremacy, and authoritarian federal overreach that treats DC residents as second-class citizens without full democratic rights. Rashida will use her platform to make clear that these actions are attacks not just on local autonomy but on the fundamental principles of democracy and self-governance. 

As Councilmember, she will continue to stand and speak out against federal interference at every opportunity. Rashida knows that acquiescence is always a failed approach.

WHAT RASHIDA WILL DO

As Councilmember, Rashida will:

Close the Sanctuary Act loophole. The executive order enabling MPD-ICE collaboration exploits a perceived loophole. Rashida will support emergency legislation explicitly prohibiting any D.C. government employee—especially MPD—from cooperating with ICE except where mandated by federal law. This includes sharing information, honoring detainer requests, or providing any support for immigration enforcement.

Create real accountability. She'll push for penalties, including termination, for officers who violate sanctuary protections. Rashida will support an enhanced reporting mechanism for residents to document violations, and an independent review board to investigate complaints. She believes that officers who collaborate with ICE are violating community trust and should lose their badges.

Prohibit use of funds to collaborate. Through budget oversight, Rashida will identify and eliminate any MPD resources being used for federal cooperation. Every dollar and officer hour spent helping ICE is a betrayal of DC taxpayers who expect protection, not persecution.

Document every violation. Rashida will hold emergency oversight hearings demanding MPD account for every ICE interaction, every information request, every instance of collaboration in order to create an actionable public record.

Support community defense and partner with Free DC Project. Rashida will fund rapid response networks, know-your-rights trainings in multiple languages, and legal defense funds, to empower communities to protect themselves.

Support immigrant neighbors every day. Immigrants face challenges beyond immigration enforcement: in housing fairness, navigating D.C. government, affordable housing and child care, health insurance. Rashida will expand and fully fund the District's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Health Care Alliance and ensure outreach to immigrants. With her small business agenda, she’ll support immigrant-owned businesses and create pathways for entrepreneurs. She’ll prioritize the Small Retailer Property Tax Credit Expansion Amendment Act of 2025 to support small retailers and restaurants, many of them immigrant-owned and family-operated. She’ll work to ensure culturally responsible government services, including in her own Council office, where she’ll make sure she has bilingual staff to support non-English speaking residents.

Fight for D.C. statehood and autonomy. Rashida will work with members of Congress who support D.C. statehood and autonomy, using her experience as a registered federal lobbyist to maintain relationships with allies and build public pressure.