Hegseth expands DC National Guard presence
POLITICO.COM
National Guard
SUMMARY

War Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the D.C. National Guard to operate boats, marked police cars, humvees and tactical vehicles through year’s end, expanding the Guard’s presence in the capital.

Oct. 29 memo says the vessels will provide perimeter security for police targeting suspected gang leaders and drug traffickers in Anacostia, with federal officers aboard for arrests. Guard members cannot arrest or pursue suspects.

Robberies and thefts have fallen since deployments began in August 2025, though homicides remain unchanged, a Cato Institute review found.

The mission, costing an estimated $1.4 billion through 2028, is expected to run until Inauguration Day 2029.

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