FBI deploys 120 agents to tackle crime in Washington, D.C

In Washington, D.C., the federal government has intensified its law enforcement presence following a surge in concerns about crime and homelessness. President Donald Trump, responding to violent incidents including an attempted carjacking involving a young administration staffer, ordered the deployment of around 120 FBI agents to assist local authorities. This increase in federal intervention occurs despite local crime rates reportedly declining, with violent crime hitting a 30-year low in 2024. The actions have sparked local controversies and protests from residents and elected officials who argue that the federal government is overstepping its bounds. Furthermore, Trump's administration has signaled intentions to possibly take control of the city's policing and has made remarks emphasizing a crackdown on the homeless population, raising fears among vulnerable communities. Critics, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, maintain that violent crime has been steadily decreasing in recent years, and have expressed concerns about the implications of federal control over local law enforcement. The stark local-federal dynamic highlights ongoing tensions, as federal agents increasingly take visible roles in patrolling the streets of the nation’s capital, often leaving residents uncertain about the necessity and impact of such measures.