By Sohaib Shams
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved an expanded National Guard presence in Washington, D.C., allowing the use of military vehicles, patrol boats, and additional personnel for law enforcement support.
Expanded Capabilities and Equipment
In two memos signed Oct. 29, Hegseth authorized the National Guard to deploy 60 military police cars, tactical vehicles, patrol boats, and 20 portable light towers for increased patrols around the capital. Troops may carry rifles during certain operations, though not in Metro rail stations. The memos also forbid high-speed chases and require patrol cars to be marked as National Guard with troops in uniform.
Focus on Gangs and Drug Trafficking
The directives indicate a greater role for Guard members in combating gangs and drug traffickers. Six analysts will continue addressing organized drug distribution, and troops supporting anti-gang operations can now carry rifles in addition to pistols. One memo grants the U.S. Marshals Service use of the D.C. National Guard's 260th Special Purpose Brigade as a quick reaction force to protect key federal leaders and facilities.
Legal Challenges and Troop Levels
The District of Columbia sued in September 2025 over the deployment, arguing it constitutes illegal use of the military for domestic law enforcement. A federal appeals court heard arguments Oct. 14 after a lower court sided with the city. Hegseth capped the maximum deployed Guard members at 3,500, below a summer peak of about 5,000 during America's 250th anniversary celebrations. As of Monday, nearly 3,100 Guard members from various states were in Washington, including more than 500 from Georgia.
Recent Incidents and Denied Requests
The expanded presence follows several incidents involving Guard members, including arrests for unauthorized firearms and a shooting during a fight intervention. A Marshals Service request for National Guard helicopters and assistance cleaning up abandoned tires was denied in a Nov. 4 memo. The Pentagon confirmed the authorization supports the "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission."
