The Trump administration’s aggressive campaign against violent crime in Washington, D.C., has seen over 240 arrests and the seizure of 38 firearms as the administration continues to push its “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful” task force. Federal operations have also led to the removal of 25 homeless encampments, with officials ensuring that these clearings were conducted without any confrontations or arrests. The crackdown, which has seen a significant increase in arrests, including 28 illegal immigrants on Friday alone, is seen as part of a broader effort to address rising crime and disorder in the nation’s capital.
The White House deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, hailed the operation as “breathtaking,” emphasizing the removal of violent offenders and illegal weapons from the city. The operation was initiated in August with the launch of the “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful” task force by President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed frustration with the state of law and order in the city. The administration has sought to further intensify its efforts by temporarily seizing federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under emergency powers in the Home Rule Act, marking the first such move in U.S. history. This action has resulted in the deployment of 800 National Guard troops and the involvement of over 1,800 personnel across seven police districts as part of Trump’s pledge to “take our capital back.”
Despite the administration’s rhetoric on crime reduction, Democrats and local officials have pointed out that violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low, down 35% from 2023 to 2024. However, FBI data indicates a smaller decline of around 9%, highlighting a disparity in how crimes are classified and reported to federal databases. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has described the federal action as “unsettling and unprecedented,” while Democrats have introduced a joint resolution to halt the federal takeover of law enforcement. The administration’s approach has sparked both support and criticism, with supporters praising the increased enforcement and detractors arguing that the federal intervention is excessive and potentially harmful to the city’s governance structure.