Interior Dept Deploys Border Agents to DC National Parks Amid Federal Takeover

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the Interior Department is deputizing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to support National Park Service sites amid a broader federal law enforcement surge in Washington, D.C. This service-wide deputization aims to enhance crime deterrence efforts in areas typically overseen by the U.S. Park Police, including prominent locations such as the National Mall, Ford’s Theatre, and local parks like Dupont Circle and Logan Circle. While Burgum did not specify whether this measure is exclusive to D.C. or the exact deployment details, he emphasized the officers' dedication to enforcing President Trump’s directive to restore safety in the capital. The move comes as federal agents, including immigration authorities, have intensified their presence in the city, despite CBP's traditional focus on border security. Neither the Interior Department nor CBP provided additional details regarding the number or precise locations of the deputized agents. This expansion reflects the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in Washington, D.C.