Across the Washington, D.C. area, routine traffic stops by U.S. Park Police are turning into immigration arrests.

Court records show multiple cases where individuals were pulled over for minor or routine reasons — only for ICE agents to arrive and detain them. Some of those arrested had no criminal record and were simply commuting to work.

A lawsuit now alleges that these operations may have violated federal law, raising serious concerns about whether traffic enforcement is being used as a pretext for immigration arrests.

Public safety depends on trust. When routine stops become pathways to detention, it creates fear, discourages cooperation with law enforcement, and raises questions about fairness and accountability.

We call on the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Park Police leadership, and the Department of Homeland Security to launch a full investigation into these practices, ensure that traffic stops are not used to facilitate immigration enforcement, and protect the rights of all individuals.

Sign this petition to demand accountability, transparency, and fair enforcement.

Photo: Kenny Holston/The New York Times