Stand up for workers and demand an end to the militarization of America’s cities

The White House’s militarization of Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Memphis, and Portland, and threats to deploy troops to other cities, are terrifying workers.

The very people that help D.C. function — day care workers, construction workers, restaurant workers, home and health care workers, and so many others — are too afraid of the military checkpoints and masked ICE agent dragnets to make it to their jobs.

During the weeks of military occupation in D.C., day care centers have had to partially or completely close because of a worker shortage — and at least one center suspended daytime walks because of worries that the children they look after might encounter armed troops on the streets. Traffic stops in D.C. of construction vehicles are leading to unexplained worker arrests and companies unsure what to do next. People in need of care in their homes — family elders and disabled folks — aren’t able to get the help they need because health care workers fear random military stops if they leave their homes.