Since the inception of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, law enforcement has made more than 16,000 arrests, according to data shared exclusively with Fox News.
The Safe and Beautiful Task Force, which will mark its first anniversary Tuesday, is being touted by the Trump administration for the results of its broad crackdown on violent crime in the nation’s capital.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners have delivered extraordinary results in our nation’s capital,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
“More than 16,000 arrests, thousands of illegal drugs and firearms taken off the streets, and dangerous violent offenders brought to justice mean safer neighborhoods and lives protected,” Blanche added.
“We will not relent until every community in Washington, D.C., is safe,” Blanche continued.
The task force was launched Aug. 11, 2025, bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement after Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C.
Trump also sent in National Guard troops, drawing criticism from Democratic officials.
The operation resulted in the arrests of 35 suspects of homicide, more than 100 known gang members, more than 3,200 arrests on narcotics charges, the seizure of nearly 2,000 illegal guns, and the recovery and return home of 25 missing children, a White House official said.
“President Trump has transformed our nation’s capital from a crime-ridden city into a safe and beautiful haven for residents and visitors alike. The President’s Safe and Beautiful Task Force has made more than 16,000 arrests, including murderers, sex offenders, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals,” said White House spokesperson Lauren Bis.
“The Task Force has driven down crime, beautified the city, and improved quality of life for countless individuals,” Bis added.
It came after the June 2025 killing of congressional intern Eric Tarpinian, 21, and a string of high-profile violent crimes, including the beating of a former DOGE staffer and the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy in a case involving MS-13 gang members.
“The men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service, along with our partners from so many federal and local agencies, have tirelessly worked to make D.C. safer for those who live here and for those who visit our nation’s capital,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta.
“This operation shows the relentless dedication we have to investigate and apprehend the most violent, dangerous fugitives,” Serralta added.
“When law enforcement works together, the impact is exponential. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force is proof of that the whole-of-government approach works,” Serralta continued.
Last year, Trump beefed up Washington, D.C.’s federal law enforcement presence, sending hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops to fight crime.
The decision sparked backlash, including “No Kings” protests nationwide and condemnation from Democratic leaders that the troops were not welcome.
Mayor Muriel Bowser previously slammed Trump for the move, saying, “I don’t think it’s legal; let me start there, for the National Guard to police Americans on American soil.”
“We use the Guard to respond to emergencies. We use the Guard for large-scale events. We do not use the Guard to police our local laws,” she said in October.
In November, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal opened fire in downtown D.C., ambushing two National Guard members.
Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of the West Virginia National Guard, was shot in the head and died the following day, Thanksgiving. Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, then 24, was also shot in the head and critically injured but survived.
“The true impact of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission is written not only in statistics but also in the impact on our community. It is found in the courage of those who serve so that others could move through our nation’s capital with greater safety and peace,” said Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard.
“Alongside the U.S. Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners, our Guardsmen have answered that call with discipline, compassion, and resolve. Sgt. Sarah Beckstrom gave the last full measure of devotion, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe endured a profound sacrifice in service to others. Their courage will forever be part of this mission’s legacy,” Blanchard added.
“We honor them by carrying the work forward—united in purpose, steadfast in service, and committed to protect the people of Washington, D.C.,” Blanchard continued.
