The Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force marked its first anniversary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, having made more than 16,000 arrests since its launch. The initiative, spearheaded under President Donald Trump’s administration, brought together federal, state, and local law enforcement following a crime emergency declaration in Washington, D.C., in August 2025.

The operation included the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department under the Home Rule Act and deployment of National Guard troops to assist with crime prevention. The task force's efforts have led to the arrests of 35 homicide suspects, over 100 known gang members, more than 3,200 narcotics arrests, and the seizure of nearly 2,000 illegal firearms. Additionally, 25 missing children were located and safely returned home.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, "More than 16,000 arrests, thousands of illegal drugs and firearms taken off the streets, and dangerous violent offenders brought to justice mean safer neighborhoods and lives protected. We will not relent until every community in Washington, D.C., is safe."

White House spokesperson Lauren Bis added, "The President’s Safe and Beautiful Task Force have made more than 16,000 arrests including murderers, sex offenders, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals."

The task force's formation followed a series of high-profile violent crimes in June 2025, including the killing of 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian, the beating of a former DOGE staffer, and the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy involving MS-13 gang members.

Officials emphasized the collaborative effort of the U.S. Marshals Service and multiple federal and local agencies in making Washington, D.C., safer for residents and visitors. "When law enforcement works together, the impact is exponential. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force is proof that the whole-of-government approach works," said a task force representative.

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