WASHINGTON — The federal law enforcement surge in the District could potentially impact some of the mechanisms that have helped to bring down crime in the first place.

Marcus Ellis, who now serves as the Deputy of Impact for Cities United, has worked with community violence intervention groups for decades. He believes these federal forces will impede their conflict resolution work.

"I've been doing this work in the city for over 25 years now ... and I've never seen anything like this in our city before," Ellis said.

His experience traces back to his time with D.C.’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the nonprofit Peace for DC.

Now, he helps to lead Cities United as they support mayors and violence interrupters across the country.

The goal is to prevent young people

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