D.C. religious leaders blast Trump crackdown as 24/7 federal patrols ramp up

State of play: Trump has deployed some 800 National Guard soldiers and about 850 officers and agents to D.C.

• Trump's federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department has a 30-day limit unless Congress extends it — and the president indicated on Wednesday he'll push for a "long-term extension" in a crime bill that'll initially concern D.C. but will serve as a roadmap for other cities.
• Some residents have been protesting in the streets and on social media since the crackdown began, pointing out that violent crime has fallen in the city.
• Sporadic protests broke out as groups of federal law enforcement patrolled D.C. on Wednesday night, images from the scene show.
• The White House maintains the Trump administration has broad public support for the action.

What they're saying: "Even one violent crime is one too many, and all Washingtonians deserve to live in safety. But safety cannot be achieved through political theatre and military force," per the statement from the group that includes Bishop Mariann Budde — who upset Trump at a January prayer service when she implored him to "have mercy" on immigrants and LGBTQ+ people.

• "It requires honesty and sustained collaboration between government, civic, and private partners — work now being sidelined," the statement reads.
• "Inflammatory rhetoric distracts from that work, even as the administration has cut more than $1 billion from programs proven to reduce crime, including law enforcement support, addiction and mental health treatment, youth programs, and affordable housing," the statement says.

Of note: "The president has likened his intentions for Washington — and possibly other cities — to the harsh measures already used against migrants, tactics that have resulted in thousands detained in inhumane conditions and many deported without due process," the statement added.

• The group is calling on the city's political and civic leaders to "reject fear-based governance and work together in a spirit of dignity and respect — so that safety, justice, and compassion prevail in our city."

For the record: The D.C. religious leaders involved in the statement, titled "Fear Is Not a Strategy for Safety," along with Budde are:

• Washington National Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith; Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt, co-senior rabbi at Adas Israel Congregation; Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, episcopal leader of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area Conference and Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky, director of Intergroup Relations and rabbi in residence at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington.
• The Rev. John Molina-Moore, general presbyter for National Capital Presbytery; Bishop Leila Ortiz, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism; Rabbi Jon Roos, Temple Sinai; and Rabbi Susan Shankman, Washington Hebrew Congregation also signed onto the statement.
• Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to Axios' Wednesday evening request for comment.

Scenes from D.C. as federal patrols stepped up

More from Axios:

• Inside Trump's power play for more control in D.C.
• D.C. business leaders warn Trump's crackdown may hurt tourism
• D.C. man accused of throwing sandwich at federal agent faces felony charges
• "Unheard of and ominous": Trump's D.C. homelessness crackdown perplexes advocates

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.