Mayor Muriel Bowser credited the deployment of federal police to patrol Washington with helping reduce crime, though she did not endorse the deployment of ICE agents or National Guard troops.
“We greatly appreciate the decision to supplement our police force and enhance the city’s law enforcement capabilities,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a press conference on August 27, commenting on President Donald Trump’s decision to send federal law enforcement to bolster patrols in the capital earlier this month.
She emphasized that car thefts and robberies, which were among the “most concerning” crimes in Washington in 2023, have dropped dramatically. In the 20 days since the federal government took over security operations in the city, carjackings fell 87% compared to the same period last year, while overall crime dropped 15%.
“Car theft, gun-related incidents, homicides, and robberies have all decreased. The community is safer, and residents feel more secure. This surge in law enforcement presence has had a significant impact,” Bowser said, adding that she has been in regular contact with Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Mayor Bowser said she had spoken directly with President Trump on the same day but did not disclose the details of their conversation.
When asked about the possibility of the President extending the deployment of federal law enforcement in Washington beyond 30 days, Bowser declined to comment.
“We want local authorities to have control over the public safety system, including decisions regarding officer deployment. After 30 days, the city will still need additional police, but these should come from agencies that regularly coordinate with us, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),” she said.
Bowser emphasized that to fully address crime in Washington, the Metropolitan Police Department needs to hire at least 500 more officers over the next few years. Police Chief Pamela Smith added that federal forces have provided significant support and could serve as a long-term solution whenever crime rates spike.
However, the Mayor of Washington expressed her disagreement with the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and National Guard troops from other states to the capital.
“The problem lies in the breakdown of trust between police and the community, especially when masked ICE agents and out-of-state National Guard soldiers are present,” Bowser said.
According to White House figures, since the campaign began on August 7, police and federal forces have arrested 1,170 individuals, including 40 undocumented immigrants with multiple prior convictions. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated that Americans expect leaders to prioritize safety over politics.
“The decisive actions of President Trump have quickly reduced violent crime and removed more than a thousand criminals from the streets of the capital,” Rogers emphasized.