President Trump is set to bolster federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C., following a successful first night of patrols. This expansion will include the US Secret Service, its uniform division, FBI police, and former members of the Secret Service, all aiming to not just make arrests but also facilitate prosecutions, as stated by White House officials.
There are over 120 federal law enforcement agencies operating in high-traffic areas, and officials noted that the presence of these marked officers is quite noticeable.
On Thursday night, authorities reported arrests related to possession of stolen firearms and illegal drugs during various traffic stops.
“Under President Trump’s direction, the increase in federal law enforcement last night was a significant success. This marks the initial step towards curbing the violent crime that has affected Washington, D.C. Residents and visitors can feel reassured that Trump is committed to restoring safety in the capital,” an official remarked.
The federal law enforcement presence is expected to continue patrolling the streets for a week. The initial group, led by the US Parks Police Department, also included officials and agents from the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement among others.
Earlier this week, Trump mentioned that he was contemplating taking control of the Washington, D.C. police department after some violent incidents targeted former Office of Government Efficiency personnel.
Despite crime rates in D.C. reportedly reaching a 30-year low, a 35% decrease from the previous year, the president has expressed frustration with issues of crime and homelessness in the capital. He had issued an executive order in March to create the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, aimed at enhancing federal involvement in immigration law enforcement, reallocating resources to arrest and deport immigrants in Washington, and ensuring that the city complies with federal immigration laws amid its “sanctuary city” status.
