In a move to address rising concerns over crime and immigration in the U.S. capital, Mississippi will send 200 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. This deployment is part of a larger federal initiative led by the Trump administration, which aims to enhance policing and immigration enforcement.
Mississippi’s Governor, Tate Reeves, confirmed the involvement of state troops, asserting, “Crime is out of control there, and it’s clear something must be done to combat it.” This action aligns with commitments from three other Republican-led states, each deploying their National Guard units to support the capital’s security operations.
In addition to Mississippi’s contribution, West Virginia is deploying 300 to 400 troops, South Carolina is sending 200, and Ohio will contribute 150 troops, all in response to President Donald Trump’s federal order to send 800 National Guard members to Washington, D.C. as part of the federal intervention.
The executive order declared a “crime emergency” in Washington, D.C., and initiated federal oversight of the local police department. This order requires local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, despite local laws that oppose such collaboration.
President Trump commented on the situation through his social media platform, stating, “D.C. has been under siege from thugs and killers, but now, D.C. is back under Federal Control where it belongs. The White House is in charge. The Military and our Great Police will liberate this City, scrape away the filth, and make it safe, clean, habitable and beautiful once more!”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has questioned the federal administration’s motives, suggesting that the deployment of troops may not directly address the city’s crime issues. “We don’t have any authority over the DC Guard or any other guards, but I think it makes the point that this is not about DC crime,” Bowser remarked.
The National Guard’s role in Washington has so far focused on tasks like crowd control and patrolling significant areas such as the National Mall and Union Station. Meanwhile, federal agents from various agencies have been actively patrolling the city, leading to numerous arrests.
In just a week since the operation began, federal agents have made 380 arrests, with Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasizing the progress, “Washington, DC is getting safer every night thanks to our law enforcement partners.” Bondi noted a weekend roundup of 137 arrests and the seizure of 21 illegal firearms, highlighting the nearly 400 arrests achieved to date.
However, the administration has faced criticism over the conduct of some federal agents, particularly regarding the use of masks to conceal their identities. Mayor Bowser has requested clarity from the administration on this practice, stressing the importance of visible identification for law enforcement officers.
Protests erupted over the weekend, with demonstrators opposing the presence of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops. The protests originated in Dupont Circle and moved towards the White House, reflecting public dissent against the federal operations in the city.
