President Donald Trump’s month-long law enforcement operation in Washington, D.C., was promoted as a crackdown on violent crime, but data shows that over 40% of the more than 2,300 arrests made were immigration-related. According to the Associated Press, more than 940 arrests involved immigration violations, raising concerns that the operation was used to further the administration’s anti-immigration agenda rather than solely reduce crime.
While the White House highlighted arrests of homicide suspects, gang members, and individuals with illegal firearms, immigrant advocacy groups argue the real aim was to increase deportations. Austin Rose of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights said it quickly became clear the surge was “a major campaign of immigration enforcement.” Critics suggest the operation may be a test run for future federal interventions in Democratic-led cities like Chicago, where officials are already preparing for similar actions.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the initiative, saying that many arrested individuals had criminal backgrounds involving serious charges like assault and drug offenses. However, internal reports reviewed by the Associated Press showed that in a 10-day sample period, only about 22% of those arrested for immigration violations had prior criminal records. The majority did not have records involving violent crime.
The initiative began on August 11 after Trump invoked emergency powers under the D.C. Home Rule Act, allowing the federal government to assume control of the city’s law enforcement. Although the order was set to expire soon, National Guard troops remained deployed. Initially, Attorney General Pam Bondi pushed for the city to revoke its “sanctuary” policies, but after legal challenges, D.C.’s police chief retained control. Still, Bondi issued new guidance requiring officers to fully cooperate with immigration enforcement.
Bondi claimed sanctuary policies contributed to violent crime and that illegal immigration posed a serious national security threat. Her statements and policies have heightened tensions in immigrant communities, with many residents now avoiding work, public spaces, and travel due to fear of detention. Advocates report a surge in fear and disruption to daily life among undocumented individuals living in D.C.
The Department of Homeland Security has actively promoted its role in the operation, emphasizing arrests of drug dealers, gang members, and undocumented immigrants. Critics remain skeptical, arguing the focus on immigration undermines the stated goal of targeting violent crime and instead creates an atmosphere of fear and division within the nation’s capital.
