President Donald Trump has ordered more than 100 FBI agents onto the streets of Washington, D.C., as part of a sweeping effort to crack down on violent crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital — warning that a full federal takeover could be next.
The 120 agents, many brought in from outside the city, will work overnight shifts for at least a week alongside D.C. police and other federal officers. The move follows Trump’s blistering Truth Social post promising to “take our Capital BACK.”
Trump: “Be Prepared! There Will Be No ‘Mr. Nice Guy’”
“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital,” Trump wrote. “The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”
The president likened his plan for D.C. to his successful border security crackdown during his first term, promising that action against crime and encampments would happen “very fast, just like the Border.”
Trump is scheduled to hold a White House press conference Monday to address his plans in more detail.
FBI Agents on Patrol — A Rare Move
Deploying FBI agents for street patrols is highly unusual, as most specialize in counterintelligence, corruption, or white-collar crime — not day-to-day policing or traffic stops. According to The Washington Post, the administration did not consult D.C. police on deployment strategy.
The bolstered federal presence comes after a violent attack on Trump staffer Edward Coristine, known as “Big Balls,” which infuriated the president.
Mayor Bowser Pushes Back
Democrat D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser insists the city is “not experiencing a crime spike,” claiming violent crime is at a 30-year low after a 26% drop in the first seven months of 2025 compared to last year. Overall crime is reportedly down about 7%.
However, Trump and his supporters point to visible street homelessness and recent high-profile crimes as proof more aggressive action is needed. According to the Community Partnership, about 3,782 single individuals are homeless in D.C. on any given night, with roughly 800 unsheltered.
