Hegseth allows National Guard to boost DC patrols with military vehicles, boats and patrol cars
The expanded mission adds 60 marked police cars, tactical vehicles and patrol boats as officials deepen support for anti-gang and drug operations.
- On Oct. 29, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the National Guard to expand its Washington, D.C. presence using 60 marked police cars, patrol boats, and tactical vehicles through the end of the year.
- This escalation reaffirms President Donald Trump's "crime emergency" mission, active since August 2025, with Hegseth capping total troop deployment at 3,500.
- Guard members may now carry rifles during anti-gang and drug operations in Anacostia for "perimeter security," while the U.S. Marshals Service can utilize the 260th Special Purpose Brigade as a "quick reaction force."
- Critics argue the expansion could further "blur the line" between military and law enforcement roles, as D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto cited concerns from parents at Bard High School regarding armed troops staging near classrooms.
- Pinto is urging incoming governors in five states to withdraw their 628 deployed troops as a legal challenge questioning the federal administration's deployment authority awaits a decision from a federal appeals court.
51 Articles
51 Articles
Pete Hegseth Authorizes Humvees and Patrol Boats for Washington Patrols – 100PercentFedUp.com – by Donald
Pete Hegseth authorized expanded National Guard patrol capabilities in Washington, including Humvees, marked patrol cars, boats and portable light towers.
BREAKING: Hegseth EXPANDS National Guard Operations in DC — Humvees, Patrol Cars and Boats Authorized as Council Demands Troops Leave
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed an Oct. 29 memo authorizing up to 60 marked patrol cars, Humvees, tactical vehicles and D.C. National Guard boats as roughly 3,000 troops continue the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.
Hegseth approves more vehicles, boats for DC National Guard
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., to use up to 60 marked patrol cars, tactical vehicles, boats, and light towers in support of law enforcement, expanding the capabilities of a deployment of roughly 3,000 troops. The authorization limits troops’ role, including barring pursuits and arrests using the vehicles, as D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto and other local officials press to end what they call an unnecessary and unlawful military presence. · 12 sources across the spectrum on IJR News.
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