DC Violent Crime Falls 45% Since Trump Federal Surge

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged a significant decline in violent crime following President Donald Trump's federal law enforcement surge in the city. Since the federal takeover, carjackings have dropped by 87%, homicides by 38%, and overall violent crime by 45% compared to the same period last year. Bowser credited the increased presence of federal officers and enhanced Metropolitan Police Department capacity for these improvements, emphasizing that safer neighborhoods result from declines in these key crimes. Despite the positive crime statistics, Bowser criticized certain aspects of the federal surge, particularly the deployment of masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and out-of-state National Guard troops, which have contributed to a breach of trust between law enforcement and the community. She expressed a desire to continue collaboration with the federal government beyond the initial 30-day emergency declaration but stressed the need for law enforcement to focus on violence rather than immigration enforcement. Over 1,500 arrests have been made during the surge, including suspects wanted for serious crimes, underscoring the impact of the operation.