As part of President Donald Trump’s administration’s unprecedented move to impose federal rule over the city in the name of fighting violent crime, hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops took over the streets of Washington, D.C., this week.
A widely shared video showed federal agents stopping a group of Black people and asking a man about his cigarette, speculating that it might be marijuana, in the initial viral moments of this legally mandated crackdown.
In the interim, in Washington, DC:(via pic.twitter.com/hIUvuZVhV5 via magfedghost/IG)
Lewis, Philip (@Phil_Lewis_)12 August 2025
We’re doing checks, keeping everybody safe down here, and confirming that D.C. was now under federal control, the officer, who was designated as a U.S. Park Police agent, was seen requesting identification. “Tell your boys, everyone is out from the FBI to the police,” he added to the group. Do what you want and inform them. Please refrain from smoking and drinking outside.
This went beyond simple law enforcement. The deployment of nearly 850 officers on August 11 resulted in 23 arrests on the first night on crimes ranging from fare evasion, DUI, stalking, and homicide and gun offenses, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
She stated during a press conference that this is just the beginning. Every violent criminal in the District who violates the law, jeopardizes public safety, or puts law-abiding Americans in peril will be ruthlessly pursued and arrested by the Trump administration during the course of the upcoming month.
Members of the National Guard are responsible for security, crowd control, perimeter management, and communications assistance, not direct law enforcement, the Department of Defense told NBC News. According to a Pentagon official, the majority will not be carrying guns, making arrests, or conducting searches.
The takeover was sharply criticized by Mayor Muriel Bowser, who described Trump’s action as unusual and alarming and said that the administration was using D.C. as a test site for possible implementation of similar strategies in other cities.
She stated in an interview that he wants to convey to cities that if he can get away with it in Los Angeles, if he can get away with it in D.C., he can get away with it in New York, Baltimore, Chicago, or any other city where millions of people live, work, and do everything the right way. “We’re not some hellscape,” Bowser continued. Our city is stunning.
According to a Department of Justice report, violent crime is at its lowest level in 30 years, and city statistics indicates that violent crime has decreased by 26% so far this year compared to the previous year. The numbers starkly contradict Trump’s repeated assertions of a lawless city plunged in disorder and demonstrate a clear reversal after a rise in killings in 2023.
Notwithstanding the information, President Trump has persisted in using Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, which calls for requesting long-term congressional approval for ongoing federal monitoring and required notification to Congress in order to extend federal jurisdiction beyond 48 hours.
On 14th Street and W St. NW in Washington, DC, federal officials without agency IDs are stopping cars for inspection. A Black woman was taken into custody in this vehicle.
A large throng is yelling at the police.
Screw you!
What’s wrong with you?
You don’t have to frighten them in this manner!tweet.com/dPQ9qe139c
August 14, 2025 Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery)
In addition to igniting national discussion about the precedent of federal police of American cities, the deployment has sparked worries about D.C. autonomy. Bowser said, “We will continue to operate our government in a way that makes you proud,” while advocating for the return of local sovereignty.
Furthermore, considering how the Black community is already being targeted, the presence of federal agents in D.C. might have far-reaching effects on the community, particularly in light of the current state of affairs in America.
