Trump thanks police and troops as DC crackdown on crime and immigration intensifies
President Donald Trump spoke to over 300 National Guard members and federal law enforcement officials during a field trip to the U.S. Park Police operations center in Washington on Thursday. He commended his military’s efforts to combat immigration and crime in the city.
Watch as President Trump and federal agents are anticipated to police the streets of Washington, DC.
According to the White House, since Trump started directing federal officials into the area on August 7, 630 people have been arrested, including 251 illegal immigrants. Since then, Trump has increased the ante, taking over the D.C. police force on August 11 and bringing in more National Guard members, primarily from states with Republican governors.
Trump said the Washington operations may be extended and used as a template for other operations across the nation.
“We’re going to stay here for a while, but we’re going to make it safe before moving on to other places,” he stated.
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The majority of the soldiers have been stationed in downtown locations, such as transportation stops and monuments on the National Mall. But federal agents are moving through the city in greater numbers. On Thursday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the increase in traffic checks.
According to Bowser, the increase in federal police is making it possible for more regular and varied deployments, such as checks.
In protest of Trump’s crackdown, a group of people gathered outside a municipal government building, supporting speakers who criticized the president’s proposals and carrying signs. Before police blocked off surrounding streets, their numbers surged into the hundreds. Many people stayed to dance and enjoy the music after the demonstration was over.
On Thursday night, locals in other neighborhoods pounded pots and pans on street corners, front steps, and rooftops.
