The Washington DC National Guard began deploying on the city’s streets Tuesday night, following President Donald Trump’s order to mobilize the force and assume control of the city’s police department. The move, which the White House says is aimed at tackling crime, comes despite official statistics showing violent crime at a 30-year low.
According to administration officials, a small contingent of the roughly 800 Guard members designated for the mission had already arrived by Tuesday afternoon, with more expected in the coming days. The deployment follows what the White House described as a “massive law enforcement surge” on Monday night, involving around 850 officers and federal agents, resulting in 23 arrests.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said those arrested faced charges ranging from homicide and firearms offenses to narcotics distribution, fare evasion, lewd acts, and stalking. Authorities also seized six illegal handguns during the operation. “This is only the beginning,” Leavitt said. “Over the next month, the Trump administration will relentlessly pursue and arrest every violent criminal in the district who undermines public safety.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has had a cautious working relationship with Trump since his return to power in January, said she expected Guard personnel to be stationed on federal property, including parks, monuments, and government buildings. Speaking during a community discussion, she noted the situation could change depending on federal directives.
Critics have condemned the move as an overreach of federal authority and an attempt to undermine the autonomy of the District of Columbia’s local government. Some have characterized the deployment as an authoritarian measure designed to distract from political controversies, including renewed media scrutiny over the Jeffrey Epstein case files.
Trump’s administration has also announced stricter enforcement of laws affecting homeless individuals in the capital. Leavitt stated that people living on the streets will be offered shelter and access to addiction or mental health services, but those who refuse could face fines or jail time under existing ordinances.
Despite tensions over the federal intervention, Bowser has said she will work “side by side” with federal partners to maximize the use of additional personnel. She met with Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday and indicated that the Metropolitan Police Department, led by Chief Pamela Smith, would coordinate closely with incoming federal officers and Guard units.
“What I’m focused on is making the most of the resources available to us to reduce crime,” Bowser said. “Our police department is the best in the business, and my priority is to ensure that any outside personnel are effectively integrated into our efforts.”
Officials have also discussed contingency plans for responding to potential cloudbursts and ensuring minimal disruption to residents, though no curfew or citywide emergency order has been issued.
The National Guard mission is expected to remain in place for at least a month, with federal officials hinting at the possibility of an extension depending on the administration’s assessment of crime trends.
