President Donald Trump has taken action to address the crime situation in Washington D.C., deploying 800 National Guard troops. This initiative is part of Trump’s plan to tackle crime, which involves the federal government taking control of the city’s police department.
Following Trump’s decision to place the Washington police under federal control, the Pentagon confirmed on Thursday that all 800 National Guard soldiers sent to Washington D.C. have been fully deployed and are now operational, working to reduce crime.
Why was the National Guard deployed?
On August 11, President Trump declared a crime emergency in the nation’s capital and pledged to make the streets safer. As part of this plan, Trump deployed the National Guard. The National Guard is working with federal and local law enforcement to enforce existing laws and remove violent criminals from the streets.
Trump stated that ensuring the safety of the nation’s capital, working with federal and local police, is a top priority.
When will the National Guard be deployed?
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson stated that the 800 Army and Air Force Guards are deployed as part of Joint Task Force DC. The National Guard will assist the DC Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement agencies in protecting monuments, conducting community safety patrols, securing federal facilities and officers, and at traffic control checkpoints. The Guard will remain deployed until law and order are restored, as determined by the President.
How many people have been affected?
President Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard on Monday. While some conservatives support the move, critics point out that data from the DC Metropolitan Police show a decrease in violent crime in 2024.
This is the first time since 1965 that a President has deployed the National Guard without the state governor’s consent. Usually, the National Guard is under the control of state governors and must be “federalized” to be under presidential control, but in Washington, these soldiers already report only to the US President. The White House reported that 45 arrests were made, 29 of whom were undocumented immigrants, and that over 1,650 individuals are involved in law enforcement operations.
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson confirmed on Thursday that the National Guard would be able to temporarily detain people, but they would not have arrest powers.