Hegseth Expands D.C. Guard With Dozens of Vehicles and Boats Through Year-End
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Nov 5
Hegseth Expands D.C. Guard With Dozens of Vehicles and Boats Through Year-End
2 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Nov 5
Summary
An Oct. 29 memo authorizes the D.C. National Guard to deploy boats, several dozen marked police cars, Humvees and light tactical vehicles in Washington through the end of 2026.
The expanded mission backs Trump's declared "crime emergency" crackdown, putting Guard members alongside law enforcement in drug operations while barring them from pursuing suspects or making arrests.
Anacostia operations will use Guard boats for perimeter security against suspected gang leaders and drug traffickers, with federal officers required on board to handle any arrests, including river escapes.
The move deepens the Guard's visible role on city streets and waterways, further blurring the line between military support and civilian policing.