Federal Crime Crackdown in D.C. Draws Mixed Reactions in Southeast

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the federal government intensifies its takeover of law enforcement operations in the nation’s capital, some Southeast D.C. residents say they have yet to see a meaningful presence in their neighborhoods — raising questions about whether Ward 8 is receiving the same attention as other parts of the city.

“Honestly, over here, we haven’t seen anything,” one resident told 7News. “It’s been all talk.”

Most Activity Concentrated Elsewhere

Community members say the bulk of federal activity appears centered around downtown landmarks.

“They’re mainly down by the monument and the Capitol,” said Jermaine Stroble. “I haven’t seen them in the neighborhoods, but we do see unmarked cars more in the neighborhoods.”

While Navy Yard continued to see a highly visible police presence Wednesday night — consistent with patterns observed throughout the summer — many Southeast residents reported little noticeable change on their own streets.

Arrests and Seizures Climb

The White House said the federal initiative has now led to more than 100 arrests, including 43 arrests on Tuesday night alone, along with the seizure of at least two dozen firearms.

A security guard working near Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast, confirmed seeing plainclothes officers and law enforcement in tactical vests checking nearby businesses. Still, others living and working in the area said the impact remains minimal so far.

Community Perspectives on Crime

Not all residents view the limited federal footprint as a problem.

“True D.C. people, if you live here and love our neighborhoods, we take care of our neighborhoods,” one Southeast resident said. “There’s good and bad anywhere that you go.”

Stroble echoed a pragmatic view:

“Crime is already going down statistically. Crime is going to happen no matter what city you’re in. Good and bad, crime is going to happen. There are criminals everywhere you go, all across the country.”

As the operation continues, Southeast residents remain watchful to see if promised federal resources will extend deeper into their communities — or if the most visible changes will stay concentrated in the city’s more high-profile areas.