Carjackings in Washington, D.C., have fallen sharply just weeks after a federally ordered law enforcement surge, but a local backlash is growing against the way it was implemented.
According to NBC News, Mayor Muriel Bowser said crime has decreased significantly since the start of an operation led by former President Donald Trump, though she also voiced serious concerns about the involvement of immigration agents and the fear spreading among residents.
On August 7, former President Donald Trump announced a federal initiative to tackle rising crime in Washington, D.C. The operation sent an influx of federal officers to support the Metropolitan Police Department. The goal, according to the administration, was to quickly curb rampant violent crimes throughout the city amid growing public pressure on safety concerns.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser provided a situational update on Wednesday, August 27. She reported noticeable drops in crime since the federal action began. In the 20 days since the federally backed surge was launched, the city saw carjackings decrease by 87% compared to the same timeframe a year earlier. Overall, crime declined by 15% during the same comparative window.
Bowser acknowledged that the infusion of federal personnel has helped D.C. police respond more effectively. She noted increases in vehicle stops, illegal firearm recoveries, and overall law enforcement visibility. “We greatly appreciate the surge of officers that enhance what MPD has been able to do in this city,” she said.
Sharp Drop in Carjackings Draws Praise
The city has struggled in recent years with rising carjackings and gun violence, prompting residents to demand stronger enforcement. Bowser said that fewer carjackings and gun crimes make neighborhoods “feel safer and are safer.”
Chief Pamela Smith of the D.C. police described the federal task force as instrumental in delivering fast, strategic results. She welcomed the additional officers, suggesting the surge may offer a framework for long-term threat response if future spikes in crime occur.
Despite the positive effects, Bowser wants to expand the Metropolitan Police Department itself. She called for hiring 500 new MPD officers over the coming years to sustain safety improvements without relying on federal interventions.
Concerns Emerge About Federal Tactics
Still, not all aspects of the federal crackdown have been well-received. Bowser expressed discomfort with the role played by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. She said the presence of masked ICE officers in unmarked vehicles has triggered alarm, especially in immigrant neighborhoods.
“We know having masked ICE agents in the community has not worked,” Bowser said. She also criticized the use of out-of-state National Guard troops, calling it an inefficient allocation of federal resources.
The mayor revealed that her administration had not been informed about recent ICE arrests in the city. That lack of transparency has deepened public anxiety. “I am devastated by people living in fear,” she said during her remarks on Wednesday.
City Leaders Split Over Increased Oversight
Not all local officials agree with Bowser’s praise for the federal operation. Council members Robert White Jr. and Brianne Nadeau voiced frustration, saying residents are frightened and feel the city’s limited self-governing powers are being overridden.
“We should not be giving people the impression that this is a good thing,” White said. “It is not doing any of those things. I am not OK with this.” Nadeau added that residents are scared to leave their homes and feel that federal intervention jeopardizes the city’s autonomy.
Bowser said she wants to restore D.C.’s control over public safety operations once the 30-day surge concludes. However, she expressed interest in maintaining a coordinated presence from agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF to support complex investigations moving forward.
Trump Administration Reports Results and Defends Operation
By August 26, federal officials had tallied 1,170 arrests since the operation began. A White House official also confirmed that 40 undocumented immigrants with criminal histories were apprehended as part of the operation. Those arrested included individuals with prior convictions for assault and drug distribution, and some were reported to be affiliated with gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers praised the partnership with local law enforcement. “Crime is not a partisan issue,” Rogers stated. “President Trump’s bold action and partnership with local law enforcement have quickly minimized violent crime.”
She further defended the arrests of undocumented immigrants as necessary to protect the community from serious offenders. Rogers criticized opponents of the plan, claiming that other Democratic leaders should take notice of what she called a “tremendous success.”
No Confirmation Yet on Whether Federal Surge Will Extend
Mayor Bowser confirmed that she spoke with Trump on the day of her update but did not provide details beyond describing the conversation as a continuation of earlier dialogues about shared goals for the city. She said the president’s knowledge of D.C. has grown since his previous term.
When asked whether the federal support would last beyond the initial 30 days, Bowser said that the topic was not discussed with the former president. She emphasized that any continued involvement must align with D.C.’s needs and respect local governance.
“What we want is local control of our public safety ecosystem,” she said. “We want federal officers that work in coordination with us,” she continued, highlighting agencies that already collaborate on major crime cases in the District.
