Federal Oversight in D.C. Sees Crime Dip, Surge in Immigration Arrests Raises Alarm

In the first full week after the White House assumed control of Washington, D.C.’s police operations, the city experienced a modest decrease in reported crime—but a sharp spike in immigration-related arrests has ignited new controversy and legal challenges.

According to an analysis of law enforcement data, federal agents—working alongside local police—have begun reshaping public safety efforts in the nation’s capital following the Trump administration’s federal takeover. The move, which began in early August, brought National Guard troops and agents from federal agencies into active roles alongside the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), including patrol duties, warrant execution, and street-level enforcement operations.

Crime Drops, But Trends Are Mixed

For the week starting August 12—the first full week under this new federal oversight—official statistics from the MPD show a 19% drop in property crime and a 17% drop in violent crime compared to the previous week.

However, the data reveals a more complex picture. Robberies and car break-ins saw sharp declines, each falling by more than 40%. Theft numbers remained mostly unchanged, while burglary incidents increased by 6%. Assaults involving dangerous weapons rose by 14%. Two homicides occurred during this period, matching the weekly average, though none were reported after August 13.

Federal agents, according to multiple reports, have been embedded with MPD officers and have been patrolling in unmarked vehicles. They’ve assisted in active investigations, arrests, and search operations across the city.

Immigration Arrests Soar

While the crime numbers have generated praise from Trump administration officials, a separate set of figures has drawn serious concern: immigration-related arrests have surged more than tenfold in just one week.

Since August 7, approximately 300 undocumented individuals have been arrested by federal agents in Washington, D.C.—a figure that dwarfs the usual weekly average. Previously, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) averaged around 12 arrests per week in the district, based on data from the Deportation Data Project at the University of California, Berkeley.

The surge appears to be directly tied to ICE’s increased coordination with local police. Federal agents have reportedly accompanied MPD officers during patrols, intervening when individuals encountered during stops or investigations were found to be without legal immigration status.

White House Response

In a statement responding to growing criticism, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the operation’s results and pushed back on the characterization of the crime reduction as “moderate.”

“These are not modest changes,” Jackson said. “These are life-changing results for D.C. residents and visitors who were not robbed, assaulted, or killed this week thanks to our efforts. Our priority remains removing violent criminals from the streets—regardless of immigration status.”

Officials added that many of those arrested were either wanted on existing warrants or were suspected of criminal activity, including serious offenses. However, CNN and other media outlets noted they were unable to independently verify the nature of most arrests, or determine how many involved non-immigration-related charges.

Local Officials Push Back

The sharp rise in immigration arrests has stirred tensions with D.C. leadership, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, who accused the administration of using crime reduction as a pretext for immigration enforcement.

Bowser said a recent order from Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared to focus “almost exclusively on immigration enforcement and clearing homeless encampments,” rather than targeting violent crime, which the White House has claimed is the top priority.

In response, the D.C. Attorney General’s Office has filed a lawsuit challenging Bondi’s directive that local police disregard the city’s sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation with ICE on immigration matters.

However, during an early hearing, the presiding federal judge suggested that under the Home Rule Act, President Trump may indeed have the authority to override local policies and compel city police to assist federal immigration officers.

Public Tensions and Visible Enforcement

Public concern has intensified as videos have emerged showing ICE agents detaining individuals in dramatic fashion—some of whom were food delivery workers—and in at least one instance, smashing car windows to make arrests.

In several cases, CNN journalists observed a large federal presence during routine crime responses. Agents were heard communicating on local police radio frequencies during traffic stops and street patrols, often coordinating searches and arrests.

Checkpoints—rare in the district—have also appeared in recent days. One large operation involved dozens of officers along a major highway exiting the city. Law enforcement was seen stopping vehicles, conducting searches, and questioning drivers, although it was unclear what criteria were being used to justify the stops.

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The White House has pledged to continue the joint operation in Washington, D.C., despite legal pushback and public concern, arguing that the strategy is essential for restoring order and public safety. Yet with lawsuits pending and federal agents firmly embedded in the city’s streets, the debate over the true purpose of this intervention is far from over.