President Donald Trump’s federalization of Washington, D.C., after a “crime emergency” declaration, has ignited debate while underscoring safety concerns. MPD data shows violent crime is down 26% from 2024, yet locals and reporters — including ABC’s Kyra Phillips, who was assaulted near her studio — say danger feels constant.

Federal intervention brought quick shifts: in the week starting August 12, violent crime fell 17% and property crime 19%, with robberies and car break-ins down over 40%. But assaults with weapons rose 14%, burglaries 6%, and two homicides still occurred.

Immigration enforcement also intensified: ICE arrested 300 undocumented individuals since August 7, up from 12 weekly. Supporters hail progress, while critics warn statistics mask lived reality.