Residents in a Washington DC neighborhood with one of the city's largest Latino populations say they have seen a surge in immigration raids since the Trump administration launched its crime crackdown.
People are walking around scared, one resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said. I've never seen the streets so empty. Videos posted on social media in the last week show arrests and raids - along with protests by locals - in the Columbia Heights area. More than 1,000 arrests have been made across the US capital since the crackdown started on 11 August, with nearly half of those being suspected illegal immigrants, according to the White House.
BBC Verify has reviewed more than a dozen videos filmed in Columbia Heights and spoken to locals to assess the impact on the community.
Car stopped and windows smashed
One video capturing the moment two men were seized by law enforcement was shared on Instagram by a local journalist.
The footage revealed identifying marks on a building, allowing investigators to pinpoint the location to a street in Columbia Heights, just two miles away from the White House.
Eyewitnesses have described encounters with the authorities, detailing instances of fear among residents and increased police presence that has shifted the community atmosphere.
Homes targeted in immigration raids
Locals expressed concerns about the aggressive policing methods. Many feel trapped within the bounds of fear, with some undocumented individuals opting to remain indoors. Reports of arrests and the visible police presence have fundamentally altered the neighborhood's dynamics, with fewer individuals willing to participate in everyday activities like play in local parks.
A prevalent sentiment in the area is fear among legal and undocumented residents alike, as they grapple with the reality of increasing raids. Community members are sharing their stories, revealing how this crackdown has disrupted their lives.
