Some Republican-led states are sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to assist President Donald Trump in his federal law enforcement takeover of the nation’s capital. Over the weekend, three GOP governors heeded the administration’s call for reinforcements.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey is deploying 300 to 400 guard members. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine pledged 150 troops, while South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster committed 200.
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The latest numbers
The 750 additional guard members will nearly double the guard’s presence in Washington, D.C., from the 800 that are already there, as part of Trump’s effort to tackle what he considers rampant crime. Federal statistics, however, show that violent crime has been falling since 2023.
The federalization of Washington has sparked protests and increased interactions between citizens and law enforcement, in some instances turning violent. That was the case on Saturday, Aug. 16, when a food delivery driver was arrested outside a Washington coffee shop by masked agents, drawing immediate outrage.
Controversial arrest in DC
In a video that quickly hit social media, federal agents appear to use a stun gun on a man they have on the ground. The man was later identified as Cristian Enrique Carias Torres, a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. unlawfully, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told The Post that Carias Torres had “repeatedly failed to appear for multiple court dates in Maryland related to a long list of traffic crimes” for which warrants had been issued. She accused him of resisting arrest.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later alleged Carias Torres had “suspected” gang affiliations in a social media post.
Bystanders quickly pulled out their phones as they say the man approached his moped but fled on foot after seeing masked agents. They chased him and tackled him to the ground. The Washington Post reports that one agent suffered a concussion during the incident after the group was shoved from behind by another agent. McLaughlin later blamed the injury on “violent resistance from the illegal alien they were apprehending.”
Witness accounts
According to The Post, agents were told, “You’re ruining this country,” to which one replied, “Liberals already ruined it.”
All but one of the half dozen agents reportedly refused to identify themselves, which is required by local law. When asked to identify themselves, The Post reports, one agent replied, “Oh, are you guys the cops? Then shut the f— up.”
Trump administration responds
McLaughlin denied agents refused to identify themselves, saying they had badges clearly visible.
Agents then put Carias Torres in the back of an unmarked SUV, where there was reportedly another physical altercation.
One witness told The Post they never overheard agents ask the man for his name or identification.
No D.C. police officers were present during the incident.
‘It’s scary’
Federal authorities report dozens of immigration arrests in concert with ramped-up law enforcement efforts in the city.
The detainment of Carias Torres has shaken the community.
“It’s scary,” Leo Urdaneta, a moped delivery driver who said he recognized Carias Torres from the video, told The Post. “The president says this about crime, but we’re just here trying to make a living.”
