Monday, September 8, 2025
By Lucian Perkins
The “We Are All D.C.” march — organized by a coalition of groups, including Free DC and the American Civil Liberties Union — on Sept. 6 was the largest protest yet since President Donald Trump deployed federal troops to the nation’s capital.
In Mount Pleasant, residents gathered—much like in neighborhoods across the city—and walked to Meridian Hill Park (known locally as Malcolm X Park). On an unusually hot and humid day, a massive crowd—at least 10,000 by my estimate—marched two miles down 16th Street and past the White House. Some people collapsed from heat exhaustion, either dropping out or pressing on with help from fellow marchers.
The march ended at Freedom Plaza, where many shared stories of violence erupting in their neighborhoods during ICE raids, along with their anger at the heavy presence of federal agents and U.S. troops.
What was this protest about? The signs carried by marchers told part of the story.
Photo by Lucian Perkins.
Photo by Lucian Perkins.
Photo by Lucian Perkins.
Photo by Lucian Perkins.
Photo by Lucian Perkins.
Photo by Lucian Perkins.
Photo by Lucian Perkins.