President Donald Trump initiated a series of measures aimed at addressing the escalating crime problem in Washington D.C. This intervention is part of a broader strategy to regain control of the city’s streets, which involves the mobilization of the National Guard and federal oversight of the local police force.
In response to Trump’s decision to bring the Washington police under federal control, the Pentagon confirmed on Thursday that the 800 National Guard soldiers dispatched to Washington D.C. are now fully engaged in operations. These troops are actively contributing to the effort to reduce criminal activity.
Reasons for the National Guard Deployment
On August 11th, President Trump declared a crime emergency in the nation’s capital, with a commitment to re-establish safety on the city’s streets. The deployment of the National Guard is a direct response to this commitment. The National Guard is taking a significant role, working with federal and local law enforcement agencies to implement existing laws and remove violent criminals from the streets.
Trump emphasized that the utmost priority is to ensure the safety of the nation’s capital in collaboration with federal law enforcement partners and local police.
Duration of the Deployment
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson reported that all 800 Army and Air Force Guard personnel are operating as part of Joint Task Force DC. The National Guard will support the DC Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement agencies in protecting monuments, conducting community safety patrols, securing federal facilities and officers, and managing traffic control checkpoints. The deployment will continue until the President determines that law and order have been restored in the district.
Impact and Actions Taken
President Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard on Monday. This move has gained support from certain conservative groups, while critics point to data from the DC Metropolitan Police that shows a decrease in violent crimes, including homicides and assaults, in 2024.
This marks the first time since 1965 that a President has deployed the National Guard against the preferences of a state governor. Normally, the National Guard is under the control of state governors and must be “federalized” to come under presidential control. However, in Washington, these soldiers already report solely to the US President. The White House stated that 45 arrests were made in Washington last night, with 29 individuals apprehended for residing in the country illegally. More than 1,650 individuals are currently involved in law enforcement operations.
On Thursday, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson clarified that while the National Guard will assist law enforcement, including the temporary detention of individuals, they will not have the authority to make arrests.