Trump Administration Makes Shocking Number of Arrests in One Night in D.C.

An MS-13 gang member with prior convictions for driving while intoxicated and drug possession was among 52 people arrested in Washington, D.C. on Monday night. The arrests come as the Trump administration pushes back against critics who have questioned the effectiveness of its crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital.

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the results in a post on X Tuesday morning. “At the direction of [President Donald Trump], our nation’s capital is a SAFER place—and we are just getting started. 52 arrests were made last night, including an MS-13 gang member, and 9 firearms were taken off the streets,” she wrote.

Bondi also shared broader results from the federal operation. “Since our mission began, there have been a total of 465 arrests, 68 guns seized, and charges for homicide, narcotics, and firearm offenses. Nearly half of these arrests occurred in the high-crime areas of DC. Residents and tourists alike appreciate this extraordinary effort by our DC and Federal law enforcement partners. Make DC Safe Again!”

The White House confirmed that arrests included suspects wanted for attempted murder, robbery, and assaulting law enforcement officials. Four homeless encampments were cleared on Monday as well, bringing the total to 48 since the effort began.

A senior White House official told Fox News that more than 450 arrests have taken place since August 7, with a large share concentrated in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8, known for higher crime rates. Officials also said the data contradicted narratives from The Washington Post that questioned the scope of federal law enforcement’s presence in the city.

“Facts are stubborn things,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a post on X. Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin credited ICE and CBP with playing a “critical role” in the effort. “Our message is clear: Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States,” she said.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has strongly opposed the federalization of her city’s police force. During a town hall livestream, she called the move “an intrusion on our autonomy” and urged residents to resist what she described as an authoritarian push. “We all need to do what we can… to protect our city and our home rule,” Bowser said.

The White House maintains that the National Guard is not conducting arrests, but rather providing support. Still, local Democrats, including D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, condemned the move as dangerous overreach. “Armed soldiers should not be policing American citizens on American soil… It’s DC today, but the same dangerous strategy can be deployed to occupy any American community,” Schwalb warned.