Federal authorities dispatch law enforcement units to patrol Washington D.C., under Trump's orders.
Federal Law Enforcement Increases Presence in Washington, D.C.
Under President Donald Trump in 2025, a significant increase of federal law enforcement presence was noticeable in the streets of Washington, D.C. The move was primarily characterised by the deployment of the National Guard and a temporary federal takeover of the local police force, aimed at addressing the rising crime rates in the city.
The decision to deploy more federal law enforcement was in response to a high-profile carjacking and mugging of a former DOGE staffer known as "Big Balls." President Trump declared a public safety emergency to place the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under federal control for a 30-day period, after which he indicated he would ask Congress for a long-term extension.
The federal patrols targeting crime in Washington, D.C. will focus on tourist attractions and "known hotspots." Key agencies involved include the National Guard, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and federal law enforcement under Trump’s direct emergency powers.
The temporary federal control was met with significant local resistance and legal challenges, with the D.C. Attorney General and local officials filing lawsuits against this "hostile takeover" attempt, arguing it threatened law and order and violated local authority. However, the White House eventually backed off from a full takeover, deciding to allow the city's police chief to remain in charge after judicial opposition.
In the first week of this federal intervention, approximately 200 arrests were reported, including many undocumented immigrants, which drew criticism from civil rights groups. Federal officers will be identified in marked units and will be highly visible. The original plan is to increase federal patrols for seven days, but the administration reserves the right to extend this deadline.
It's important to note that violent crime in Washington, D.C. had significantly decreased over the last two years, following a dramatic spike in 2023. President Trump, however, has expressed concern about the increasing crime in Washington, D.C., stating that "Big Balls" went through a "bad situation" and there is too much of it.
References: 1. The Washington Post 2. CNN 3. The New York Times
Politics and general-news sources reported an intensified focus on crime-and-justice matters in Washington, D.C., following President Trump's decision to increase federal law enforcement presence in response to a high-profile crime. The National Guard, DEA, and federal law enforcement under Trump’s emergency powers were tasked with targeting crime in the city, particularly at tourist attractions and known hotspots.
