Federal force deployed in DC draws backlash

Federal agents and National Guard are deployed in Washington DC to address crime, drawing mixed reactions from residents and officials.

Trump deploys federal force in DC drawing criticism

President Trump authorized 800 National Guard troops to DC along with hundreds of federal officers from agencies including the DEA and FBI for 30 days to address what officials call a crime wave. The White House says the operation will include road checks and neighborhood patrols across the city. A Home Depot raid during the operation led to arrests of several people who appeared Hispanic, witnessed by a store employee.

Residents report roadblocks and traffic stops as federal personnel work in neighborhoods across the city. Local leaders express concern about federal overreach while also acknowledging public safety concerns. The administration has signaled it may seek Congress approval to extend federal control beyond the initial 30 days, a move that would heighten scrutiny of the balance between national authority and local policing.

The deployment lays bare a core tension in American governance: who polices cities and how they are policed. Critics warn that a visible display of federal force can erode trust in local police and civil liberties, especially when actions appear to target immigrant communities. Supporters say the move signals seriousness about crime and could deter violence in a city where the crime picture is uneven rather than uniform.

Beyond crime numbers, the policy tests how citizens interpret safety. Does a loud show of force make neighborhoods feel safer or more watched? The coming weeks will reveal which impulse shapes public opinion and whether local officials will push back or accept a longer federal role as part of city governance.

Highlights

The city now watches how this policy plays out in the weeks ahead.