WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington D.C. National Guard will be deployed to the nation’s capital through the end of February, according to formal orders reviewed by AP.
The order, dated November 4, extends an original deployment starting from August 11 and states that Guard members will be in the city at least until February 28, 2024. This additional duty is a response to the emergency declared in August by President Trump, directed by the Secretary of War to protect federal property and support law enforcement.
Since August, hundreds of National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington as part of a crime-fighting mission, which has now transitioned to encompasses regular public safety duties and landscaping efforts throughout the city.
Currently, over 2,375 National Guard troops are on duty in the capital, with the D.C. National Guard being the largest contingent. Despite claims that they would withdraw by the end of November, some states are contemplating the continuation of their deployments based on future orders.
Activities by the Guard have expanded beyond law enforcement into community beautification projects, including clearing trash and enhancing public spaces. These efforts have drawn mixed reactions, leading to an ongoing lawsuit from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, challenging the federal administration on the grounds of overstepping local control.
The legal proceedings present a tense backdrop for discussions around the parameters and appropriateness of the National Guard's involvement in domestic affairs, risking federal intervention in local governance. Judge Jia Cobb is yet to issue a ruling on this pressing case.
