Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has ordered a surge of federal law enforcement officers into the nation’s capital, deploying 450 officers from 18 federal agencies to high-traffic and crime “hotspot” areas on Aug. 9 and 10, according to the White House.
Multi-Agency Operation Targets Crime Hotspots
The officers come from agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Secret Service. The action follows Trump’s Aug. 8 directive for increased law enforcement presence in D.C. after he criticized crime levels in the city, despite statistics showing significant improvement.
According to data from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime fell by 35% in 2024 — the lowest level in more than 30 years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia said in a news release.
FBI Agents Temporarily Reassigned to Night Patrols
As reported by USA TODAY, the Trump administration has also temporarily reassigned 120 FBI agents to patrol D.C. streets at night.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson confirmed the move, stating:
“There has been an increase in federal law enforcement officers in D.C. in response to violent crime. This includes the FBI.”
Jackson added, “In just a few nights, federal law enforcement officers have already played a vital role in deterring crime, arresting criminals, and getting dangerous drugs and weapons off the streets.”
Key details of the federal deployment:
- 450 officers from 18 agencies
- 120 FBI agents shifted to night patrol duties
- Deployment focused on high-traffic public areas and crime hotspots
Trump Teases Further Federal Action
Trump has indicated more measures are coming. In an Aug. 10 social media post, he promoted an upcoming Aug. 11 White House news conference on “Crime and ‘Beautification.’”
“It will not only involve ending the Crime, Murder, and Death in our Nation’s Capital, but will also be about Cleanliness and the General Physical Renovation and Condition of our once beautiful and well maintained Capital,” Trump wrote.
Homelessness Also in the Crosshairs
The president also signaled that the initiative will target homeless encampments in D.C.
“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump posted. “We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.”
While the White House has framed the deployment as a public safety push, critics are likely to scrutinize the plan’s implications for civil liberties and local autonomy.
What are your thoughts on this federal crime crackdown in D.C.? Share your views in the comments.
