Fact Check: Washington DC updates: they’re now going after children

Fact-Check Article: "Washington DC updates: they’re now going after children"

What We Know

The claim that Washington D.C. is "going after children" can be substantiated by recent legislative developments. Specifically, the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 was enacted on July 7, 2025, which imposes a citywide curfew for all individuals aged 17 and under. Under this law, minors are prohibited from being in public places or establishments during curfew hours, which are set from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM every night until August 31, 2025. After this date, the curfew will adjust to 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday, and 12:01 AM to 6:00 AM on weekends (DC Curfew Law | mpdc).

The law also allows for the establishment of Extended Juvenile Curfew Zones, where additional restrictions can be applied, particularly for groups of minors. Violations of this curfew can result in fines for parents or guardians and community service for minors (DC Curfew Law | mpdc).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is clear and well-documented through official legislative sources. The Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 represents a significant shift in policy regarding minors in Washington D.C. The law's intent is to address concerns about youth safety and crime, particularly in light of rising juvenile arrest rates, which are reported to be nearly double the national average (CNN).

However, while the law aims to protect minors, it has raised concerns about the implications for civil liberties and the potential for over-policing youth. Critics argue that such measures disproportionately affect marginalized communities and could lead to increased interactions between law enforcement and young people, which may not always be constructive (DC Curfew Law | mpdc).

The source of this information, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, is a reliable and authoritative body regarding local laws and public safety. The clarity of the law's provisions and its enforcement guidelines further supports its credibility.

Additionally, the context of the law's implementation during a time of heightened concern about juvenile crime adds to its relevance. However, it is essential to recognize that the term "going after children" may carry connotations that imply punitive measures rather than protective ones, which could be misleading without proper context.

Conclusion

The claim that Washington D.C. is "going after children" is True. The enactment of the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 establishes a curfew for minors, which is a direct action by the city government to regulate the behavior of young people in public spaces. While the intent is framed around safety, the implications of such a law warrant careful consideration and discussion regarding its impact on youth and community relations.

Sources

1. DC Curfew Law | mpdc
2. DCPS Policies
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