FBI Director Kash Patel has mentioned that President Trump’s operation named “Make DC Safe” is having significant effects, particularly after recent actions led to over 1,800 arrests, along with many guns and drugs being confiscated. Between Wednesday and Thursday morning, the FBI reported 28 arrests, including 12 guns recovered and 10 drug incidents, contributing to a total of 80 arrests made by federal partners.
Patel emphasized that this initiative aims to remove violent offenders from the streets and restore order. He stated, “President Trump’s ‘Make DC Safe Again’ operation has actual results. We are collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to clear violent criminals from our streets and reestablish safety in our nation’s capital. This shows how the federal government can prioritize the safety of American families.”
On August 11, the federal government assigned the Metropolitan Police Department in DC for 30 days under the District of Columbia Home Rules Act. Following this, Secretary of War Dan Driscoll announced an extension of this mobilization until November 30. However, this federalization is set to expire next week, needing congressional approval for the extension.
Shortly after Patel’s update, DC Attorney General Brian Schwarb posted on X about a lawsuit aimed at curbing the administration’s actions in the capital, arguing that the deployment of 2,300 armed National Guard members is illegal. He claimed that the local government did not request or agree to their presence, stating, “There are 2,300 national security guards on the streets with military equipment.”
Schwarb pointed out that this situation violates the Posse Comitatus Act, poses a threat to democracy and civil liberties, and could harm the economy and public trust in DC. However, the White House backed the operation, asserting that the president is acting within his authority and that this initiative will effectively combat violent crime.
