White House Launches Federal Security Blitz to End DC ‘Crime Plague’
Law enforcement officials have arrested over 100 people in Washington, D.C., since August 7 as part of President Trump’s crackdown on crime. The operation, launched under his executive order to federalize the D.C. police department, includes the deployment of National Guard troops and federal agencies like the FBI. The White House claims the actions are part of efforts to restore safety to the nation’s capital following a surge in violent crimes.
As part of the crackdown, the White House reported that over 30 National Guard troops were on the ground by Tuesday evening, with the number expected to increase on Wednesday. The operation has transitioned from night patrols to a 24/7 operating status, according to officials. The initial phase of the crime crackdown on Monday resulted in 23 arrests, and the second phase, which took place on Tuesday, yielded 43 additional arrests, bringing the total to 103 as of Wednesday. The arrests included individuals suspected of homicide, narcotics offenses, firearm-related crimes, and warrants, as well as 23 illegal immigrants apprehended during the operation.
The White House has also highlighted the involvement of hundreds of federal law enforcement personnel, including the FBI, in the operation. FBI Director Kash Patel expressed support for the initiative, stating that federal partners have joined local police in making the city safer. Patel emphasized the role of law enforcement in addressing the rising crime rate and declared that the effort is just beginning, with more action to come.
Trump had previously criticized the current state of crime in the capital, citing incidents such as the fatal shooting of congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym and the attack on Israeli embassy staff. He called for the federalization of the D.C. police department under Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which grants the president emergency control of the city’s police force for 30 days. The move has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers and local leaders, who argue that crime rates have decreased in recent years compared to the violent spikes seen in 2020. Yet, Trump remains adamant, declaring the operation a ‘Liberation Day’ for D.C. and vowing to ‘take our capital back.’.
Federal and local authorities have also indicated that the operation will continue beyond the initial phase, with ongoing efforts to enforce stricter law and order measures. The deployment of National Guard troops and expanded federal involvement mark a significant shift in the approach to public safety in the nation’s capital. As the crackdown continues, the White House insists that the actions are necessary to ensure that D.C. is restored to its former state of safety and security, aligning with Trump’s broader agenda of addressing what he deems as a ‘crime plague’ in the city.