WASHINGTON (7News) — Weeks after the federal government launched a crime crackdown in the District, residents in some of the city’s most violent neighborhoods say they are still waiting to see the promised National Guard presence.
Heavy Security Downtown, Limited Presence in SE
Since President Donald Trump announced the federal takeover earlier this month, National Guard units have been deployed in large numbers around the National Mall, federal buildings, and other tourist-heavy landmarks. Ten Metro stations are now patrolled by Guard members — but none of them are east of the Anacostia River, where violent crime remains concentrated.
That gap in deployment has left many Southeast D.C. residents questioning whether their communities are being overlooked. Wards 7 and 8 consistently record some of the highest homicide and carjacking rates in the city, yet residents say they rarely see troops in their neighborhoods.
Residents Speak Out
Kathy Henderson, a longtime Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, expressed frustration over the lack of federal support in the areas that need it most.
“I’m in the Anacostia area every other day and there are some challenges over there,” Henderson said. “Commander Hickman of the 6th District, he and his team are working exceedingly hard to maintain public safety. There are shootings, unnecessary shootings, and violence that continue to go on. Residents are continuing to be afraid. And yes, we welcome the National Guard throughout Wards 5, 7 and 8.”
Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among local leaders that while downtown areas appear more secure, the neighborhoods east of the river are still left vulnerable.
Federal Crackdown Brings Arrests, But Uneven Impact
Federal officials say the crackdown has produced results. Since the intervention began, federal agents have carried out foot patrols, traffic stops, and immigration sweeps across several parts of the city, leading to more than 1,200 arrests as of Thursday morning.
Some National Guard members have also been assigned to what federal officials describe as “beautification projects,” supporting city crews with cleaning and maintenance efforts.
Overall, citywide crime numbers have dipped slightly since the federal initiative began. Yet Wards 7 and 8 continue to record a disproportionate share of violent offenses, including homicides, armed robberies, and carjackings.
Violence Continues in Southeast
The city’s only homicide since the federal deployment occurred Tuesday in the 300 block of Anacostia Road SE. Community members say that incident underscores the lack of federal presence in the areas where violence remains most intense.
For many residents, the federal deployment has done little to ease their daily fears. Shootings, particularly those described as “unnecessary” and “senseless” by neighborhood leaders, still occur frequently in Southeast.
Calls for Transparency and Equity
Community advocates are now calling for greater transparency from federal officials about how and where resources are being deployed. Many argue that without clear communication and equitable distribution of forces, the crackdown risks reinforcing the perception that downtown and tourist-heavy areas are prioritized over the neighborhoods most impacted by crime.
Residents have also joined organized “crime walks” in recent weeks, urging city leaders and federal agencies to address gun violence more directly in Southeast.
Looking Ahead
The debate over the federal presence highlights the broader challenge of balancing citywide security with community trust. While officials point to more than 1,200 arrests as evidence of progress, residents east of the Anacostia River say the benefits of the crackdown have yet to reach their neighborhoods.
As crime continues to weigh heavily on Wards 7 and 8, community leaders insist that true public safety will only come when resources are directed where they are needed most. Until then, many Southeast residents remain skeptical that the federal deployment will bring meaningful change to their streets.
Leave a Reply