23 Arrested in Washington, D.C., After Trump Deploys Federal Officers and National Guard

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Washington, D.C. – The White House confirmed Tuesday that 23 people were arrested following a “massive law enforcement surge” across the nation’s capital, involving approximately 850 federal officers and agents. The move comes after President Donald Trump ordered the National Guard into Washington, D.C., and placed the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control — a decision that has sparked both support and sharp criticism.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the arrests as part of a broader crackdown on crime, listing charges including homicide, firearms violations, narcotics trafficking, fare evasion, lewd acts, and stalking. Authorities seized six illegal handguns during Monday night’s operation.

“This is only the beginning,” Leavitt said, pledging that the Trump administration would “relentlessly pursue and arrest every violent criminal in the district.” She cited polls claiming broad public support for the crackdown and accused Democrats and the media of being “out of touch.”

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser adopted a measured tone, stating she would work “side by side” with federal partners to make the most of the added resources. While avoiding direct confrontation, Bowser emphasized that local law enforcement leadership would ensure federal and National Guard resources were effectively deployed to reduce crime.

However, Democratic leaders across the country voiced alarm over the precedent. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass each condemned Trump’s actions, calling them “destabilizing,” “fear-mongering,” and “a political stunt.”

Trump’s comments about potentially sending federal forces into cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, and Oakland fueled speculation that Washington, D.C., may serve as a test case for more widespread intervention.

California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of seeking to “militarize any city he wants,” while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker warned of parallels to authoritarian regimes, saying, “It does not take much… and we have a president who seems hell-bent on doing just that.”

Trump defended his approach, claiming other cities are “so far gone” that federal intervention is necessary. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller amplified the message on social media, alleging without evidence that “crime stats in big blue cities are fake” and that Democrats are “trying to unravel civilization.”

Trump’s ability to take control of the D.C. police stems from the unique constitutional status of the District of Columbia, which gives the federal government more authority than it has over other U.S. cities. Critics argue that the move is an unprecedented escalation of executive power and could erode local autonomy nationwide.

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