Federal agents in Washington DC

Federal agents were deployed in Washington D C as Trump vowed to crack down on crime and homelessness over the weekend.

Federal agents sweep Washington D C after Trump vow to crack down on crime

Scores of federal agents fanned out across Washington D C on Sunday night after President Trump promised a swift crackdown on crime and homelessness in the capital. Uniformed officers from the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies could be seen in small groups on streets near the National Mall, with at least 120 agents reassigned from other duties for the operation. Local police were on scene as the show of force unfolded.

Trump’s posts on Truth Social pledged immediate action and a plan to move homeless people away from the capital, but the visible impact on Sunday appeared less sweeping than his messages suggested. Washington, D C has recently posted declining crime rates, with violent crime at a 30 year low in 2024 according to the U S Justice Department. Local leaders and residents watched the scene with uncertainty, while some homeless residents voiced concern about displacement and the lack of detail on where people would be sent.

The deployment marks a notable shift toward federal involvement in a city usually governed by local authorities. It raises questions about civil liberties, budget priorities, and the best way to address homelessness alongside crime. The timing, just ahead of a charged political moment, risks turning a humanitarian issue into a partisan confrontation. If a federal takeover or heavy police emphasis continues, backlash could sharpen tensions between the White House and district leaders and reshape public expectations about safety and care.

Highlights

The city will be watching closely as policy and humanity collide in public view.