DC Federal Crime Crackdown: A New Sense of Safety at Union Station

Advanced | September 1, 2025

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A Big Change in DC’s Safety Scene

In late August, Washington, DC saw a strong federal push to reduce crime. The federal government took charge of Union Station, the busiest train hub in the city, to “make it safer” for travelers. Armed National Guard troops now patrol Union Station’s concourses, not just regular police. The Department of Transportation took control from Amtrak, and Amtrak still manages the passenger areas and retail operations. This shift marked the beginning of the DC federal crime crackdown strategy. (theguardian.com)

DC Federal Crime Crackdown Leads to Over 1,000 Arrests

The authorities announced that they carried out about 1,178 arrests and seized 123 firearms during this operation. On some days, troops directly arrested dozens of people—including undocumented people and nonviolent offenders. Many outlets have described this large-scale law enforcement effort as the DC federal crime crackdown initiative. (theguardian.com) Other reports counted “over 1,000 arrests” in total, with armed troops playing a key role. (apnews.com, reuters.com)

Power Tools in the Wrong Hands?

This operation has sparked heated debate. Critics say federal agents and troops—trained for high-level threats—now chase minor offenses like public drinking or small-scale marijuana possession. Meanwhile, soldiers rake leaves and remove homeless encampments, prompting many to question whether this is an efficient use of military power. (reuters.com)

A Federal Takeover of Policing?

Since August 11, under an emergency law (Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act), President Trump took control of the city’s police force for the first time ever, claiming a crime “emergency.” Around 800 National Guard troops deployed, supported by agents from federal agencies like the FBI and DEA. (en.wikipedia.org) The move drew praise from some neighborhoods—but local leaders and residents also mounted legal challenges and protests. (en.wikipedia.org)

Why It Matters to You

This example shows how national-level decisions can transform public safety—and how those changes influence everyday life. Union Station, once a busy transit hub, now feels different. Whether you’re a traveler, local worker, or student, these changes affect public confidence, freedom of movement, and how safe you feel in shared spaces.cisions can transform public safety—and how those changes influence everyday life. Union Station, once a busy transit hub, now feels different. Whether you’re a traveler, local worker, or student, this affects public confidence, freedom of movement, and how safe you feel in shared spaces.

Vocabulary

Crackdown (noun) – strict, serious action to control a problem.
Example: “There was a crackdown on speeding in the city.”
Patrol (verb) – to regularly watch over an area for protection.
Example: “Police officers patrol the neighborhood at night.”
Concourse (noun) – a large open area inside stations like airports or train stations.
Example: “We waited for our train in the crowded concourse.”
Seize (verb) – to take something using legal power.
Example: “The police seized the stolen goods.”
Emergency Law (noun) – a law that allows special powers in a crisis.
Example: “Emergency law was used after the flood.”
Federalize (verb) – to transfer control to the national government.
Example: “They plan to federalize disaster response efforts.”
Troops (noun) – military soldiers.
Example: “Troops were deployed to assist at the border.”
Efficient (adjective) – working well with minimal waste.
Example: “The new system is more efficient and faster.”
Transit Hub (noun) – a central location where different transportation options meet.
Example: “Seoul Station is a major transit hub in Korea.”
Protest (noun) – public expression of disagreement or complaint.
Example: “The students held a protest for climate action.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why did federal authorities take over Union Station from Amtrak?
What kinds of crimes were the federal agents and troops targeting during the crackdown?
How did the military’s cleanup tasks raise concerns about the operation?
What law allowed the president to federalize policing in DC?
How did different groups (residents, local officials) react to the federal takeover?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Is it okay for soldiers to do civilian tasks like cleanup? Why or why not?
How might using federal troops for minor crimes affect trust in law enforcement?
Should emergency powers allow the president to take control of local police?
What else could be done to keep public places like Union Station safe?
How do changes in policing affect daily routines for students or commuters?

Related Idiom

“Jumping in with both feet” – to start something busy or bold without hesitation.
Example: “Sending troops straight into Union Station was like jumping in with both feet—big and sudden.”

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This article was inspired by The Guardian and AP News.