Washington (EFE).- United States President Donald Trump acknowledged on Thursday that he did not follow “every single rule” when deploying the National Guard and assuming temporary federal control of Washington DC’s Metropolitan Police.
The move comes amid ongoing protests against federal nighttime operations by agencies including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“I followed every tiny edict and rule perfectly last time, I let the governors handle their own affairs, and they completely messed it up,” Trump told Fox News Radio, referring to previous crises. “This time, I didn’t do that.”
The decision follows the deployment of 800 National Guard troops on Monday and the declaration of a 30-day Public Safety Emergency, with Trump insisting that “crime is out of control” in the capital.
The federalization order was partly justified by an assault earlier this month on Edward Coristine, a programmer at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, official statistics show that while violent crime remains high, Washington’s homicide rate is at its lowest level in decades.
Federal forces intensify operations
Since Wednesday night, agents from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have increased round-the-clock patrols and set up checkpoints across the city.
Armored vehicles and National Guard units were seen on the National Mall in what Trump has called a “crime wave,” contradicting local authorities’ assessments.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on media outlets that the president created a multi-agency task force with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The overnight operation involved 19 agencies across seven districts, resulting in 45 arrests for first- and second-degree assault and drug distribution, as well as the seizure of illegal narcotics.
ICE detained 29 undocumented immigrants, “many of whom had final deportation orders,” Leavitt added.
Asked in the Oval Office if concentrating federal resources in DC could undermine other operations nationwide, Trump insisted, “We’re using a very small force.”
Residents push back against federal control
Federal agents also set up a traffic stop on a major city street, issuing citations for seatbelt violations and defective rear lights.
Residents protested the checkpoint, warning drivers to avoid the area.
Tensions flared as clashes broke out between residents and federal officers. In one incident, a former Justice Department employee was arrested for hitting a federal agent with a sandwich. Bondi confirmed assault charges would be filed.
On Thursday, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith signed an executive order limiting cooperation with ICE.
The directive bars officers from inquiring about immigration status or detaining individuals without a judge’s warrant, in line with the district’s Democratic-led laws.
Despite the 30-day limit under current law, Trump signaled he will seek to extend federal control of law enforcement in Washington.
“Thirty days is not enough to fight crime in this city,” the president said.
Local leaders warn that the intervention could erode home rule in the capital, where tensions over policing and immigration enforcement remain high. EFE
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