The Trump administration has deployed FBI agents to street patrols in Washington D.C., diverting them from national security duties to address a declared ‘crime emergency.’ This unprecedented move has resulted in over 100 arrests but faces criticism for compromising core investigations and agent safety.
Key actors include President Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and FBI agents typically specialized in counterterrorism, cybercrime, and espionage. Other agencies like Border Patrol and Secret Service are also involved.
FBI agents have been reassigned from their primary roles to conduct local policing—handling traffic stops, arrests for offenses like DUIs and illegal firearms, and neighborhood patrols. This shift is part of a 30-day federal takeover of DC policing, citing rising crime concerns.
The deployment began in early August 2025 and is active in Washington D.C. neighborhoods like U Street and Navy Yard. Patrols intensified this week, with arrests peaking on August 12-14, 2025.
President Trump declared a ‘crime emergency’ to fulfill campaign promises about restoring ‘law and order.’ The administration argues crime is ‘out of control,’ though local data shows recent declines. Critics view this as politically motivated federal overreach.
Agents work alongside DC police but lack standard policing tools (e.g., tasers) and de-escalation training. Resources were diverted by suspending long-term investigations into threats like foreign espionage. Director Patel publicly endorsed the tactic, stating: ‘Let cops be cops.’
Over 100 arrests have occurred, but the reassignment hinders national security work and risks agent safety. Morale is critically low, with agents reporting ‘wait-it-out’ frustration. Legal experts and former officials (like ex-deputy director Andrew McCabe) warn this leaves the U.S. vulnerable to unaddressed threats.
The 30-day operation may extend if deemed ‘successful,’ with potential expansion to other cities. Lawsuits over unconstitutional policing are mounting, and internal FBI turmoil could trigger a ‘brain drain’ of experienced agents resigning.