National Guard to ramp up in D.C. as feds move to round-the-clock patrols
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National Guard troops in D.C. on Tuesday. Photo: Andrew Leyden/Getty Images
The Trump administration plans to increase the National Guard presence on D.C. streets and shift to 24/7 federal patrols starting Wednesday evening, a White House official tells Axios.
Why it matters: The switch from evening patrols means federal agents will be more visible in D.C. around the clock, which may lead to more arrests.
State of play: As of Tuesday night, federal law enforcement officers have made more than 100 arrests in D.C. since the multi-agency federal crackdown began late last week, per data shared by a White House official.
- There have been 103 total arrests, with 43 occurring on Tuesday night — almost double the amount reported on Monday.
- Arrests have been for charges such as homicide, possession of narcotics or firearms without a license, per the official. 23 of the arrests were for being in the U.S. illegally.
- 20 arrests are categorized as "other," which the White House official says includes crimes such as driving under the influence, larceny, driving on a suspended license or dirt bike-riding in the park.
Zoom out: 19 multi-agency teams are spread across the city as part of the takeover, says the official.
- 1,450 people were patrolling the city on Tuesday night, including 750 D.C. police members and 30 National Guard troops.
Between the lines: All federal officers in D.C. will be identifiable by things like a jacket, badge or uniform, Mayor Muriel Bowser said during a Monday press conference.
What we're watching: President Trump suggested on Wednesday that he plans to ask Congress to extend federal control of D.C. police beyond the initially set 30 days.
- Trump also said during a press conference that his administration is going to push for a crime bill that will initially pertain to D.C. but will serve as a roadmap for other cities.
- "If it's a national emergency, we can do it without Congress," Trump said. "But we expect to be before Congress very quickly."
Go deeper: Trump indicates he would federalize D.C. police for longer than 30 days