An MS-13 member with prior convictions for DUI and drug possession was among 52 people arrested in Washington, D.C., Monday night, as the Trump administration pushed back against critics questioning its effectiveness.
“At the direction of [President Donald Trump], our nation’s capital is a SAFER place—and we are just getting started. 52 arrests were made last night, including an MS-13 gang member, and 9 firearms were taken off the streets,” Bondi posted to X on Tuesday morning. “Since our mission began, there have been a total of 465 arrests, 68 guns seized, and charges for homicide, narcotics, and firearm offenses. Nearly half of these arrests occurred in the high-crime areas of DC. Residents and tourists alike appreciate this extraordinary effort by our DC and Federal law enforcement partners,” she continued. “Make DC Safe Again!”
The White House said arrests also included assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, murder, attempted murder, assaulting a federal officer, felony assault, and unlicensed gun possession. Four more homeless camps were cleared, bringing the total to 48. Officials told Fox News that over 450 arrests have been made since Aug. 7, with nearly half of the 212 non-immigration arrests in high-crime Wards 7 and 8.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Friday that ICE is playing a key role in the federal police takeover of the city.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, ICE law enforcement is being unleashed to keep America safe from dangerous criminals. As the secretary has announced, ICE and CBP have been deployed to help clean up the streets of our nation’s capital,” McLaughlin stated. “Our message is clear: Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States.”
