A brief but intense confrontation unfolded Wednesday afternoon near the National Mall when a man taken into federal custody attempted to flee after being stopped by law enforcement.
Footage captured by NBC Washington journalist Aimee Cho shows federal agents, assisted by at least one officer from the Metropolitan Police Department, pulling over a blue SUV. The driver, who appeared to speak Spanish, exited the vehicle and suddenly ran from officers. Agents quickly pursued him, bringing him to the ground moments later.
While being restrained, the man shouted in Spanish that he was “not a criminal” and said he worked locally in Washington. Officials have not yet released information explaining why the vehicle was stopped or whether the man faces immigration-related charges.
The incident occurred during a major expansion of federal law enforcement activity in the nation’s capital, initiated by President Donald Trump in response to concerns about violent crime. The operation includes hundreds of federal agents and National Guard members, with Washington’s local police department now operating under federal oversight following several high-profile violent crimes. These incidents include the death of a congressional intern, an attack on a former employee of the Department of Government Efficiency, and the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members.
According to data shared by the D.C. Police Union, crime trends have shown early signs of improvement since the federal government assumed control. Carjackings have reportedly declined by more than 80 percent, robberies are down nearly half, and overall crime has dropped by about 8 percent.
Homicides have also decreased by roughly 25 percent compared to last year, when Washington recorded one of the highest murder rates in the country. However, the police union noted that homicide numbers had already begun falling before federal authorities stepped in.
President Trump formally took control of the District’s police force on August 7, 2025, using powers granted under the Home Rule Act. The move marked the first time Washington’s local law enforcement has been placed directly under federal command. His initial plan called for deploying approximately 1,450 law enforcement officers and National Guard troops.
Federal officials have since announced plans to expand the presence further. Roughly 800 National Guard members are currently stationed in the city, with additional units expected from Mississippi, South Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia. Republican-led states responded quickly to the request for assistance.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed the deployment of about 200 Guard members, stating that the goal is to restore order and improve safety in the capital. He emphasized that Americans deserve a secure and functional seat of government and expressed confidence in the Guard’s ability to support law enforcement efforts.
In addition to crime enforcement, the federal task force—created under a March executive order aimed at revitalizing Washington—has worked with city officials to simplify the firearms permitting process for residents.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the administration’s approach is designed not only to reduce violent crime but also to ensure that law-abiding citizens can more easily exercise their right to protect themselves and their families.