D.C. Faith Leaders Condemn Trump’s 24/7 Patrol Crackdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump’s federal crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., with National Guard deployment and continuous federal patrols, has drawn sharp criticism from local religious leaders. They argue the measures rely on “fear-based governance” and ignore proven crime-reduction programs. The White House maintains broad public support for the initiative.
D.C. Crackdown Backlash Quick Looks
- Trump declared a “crime emergency” in Washington, D.C.
- Deployment: 800 National Guard troops, 850 federal agents/officers
- Federal control of the Metropolitan Police has a 30-day limit
- Trump wants to extend authority via a national crime bill
- Religious leaders call rhetoric “inaccurate and dehumanizing”
- Accusations of cutting $1B from effective anti-crime programs
- Critics fear excessive force and indiscriminate arrests
- Comparisons made to harsh migrant enforcement tactics
- Interfaith leaders demand cooperation, not militarization
- White House says public support is strong
Deep Look: D.C. Religious Leaders Denounce Trump’s Federal Patrol Expansion
WASHINGTON — Religious leaders in the nation’s capital issued a unified condemnation Wednesday night against President Donald Trump’s intensifying federal crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., warning that the strategy risks escalating tensions and undermining community-based safety efforts.
Trump’s declaration of a “crime emergency” has brought 800 National Guard soldiers and approximately 850 federal agents and officers into the city, initiating around-the-clock patrols. In an unprecedented move, the president also federalized the Metropolitan Police Department for a 30-day period, with plans to seek a long-term extension through a forthcoming crime bill.
Religious Leaders Push Back
The interfaith coalition — spanning Christian, Jewish, and Episcopal leaders — argued that Trump’s approach uses “inaccurate and dehumanizing” language to justify sweeping measures. They warned it could lead to indiscriminate arrests and excessive force, while sidelining collaborative strategies proven to reduce crime.
“Even one violent crime is one too many, and all Washingtonians deserve to live in safety,” the statement read. “But safety cannot be achieved through political theatre and military force. It requires honesty and sustained collaboration between government, civic, and private partners — work now being sidelined.”
The coalition also criticized the administration for cutting more than $1 billion from programs that address the root causes of crime, such as addiction treatment, youth engagement initiatives, affordable housing, and community-based policing support.
Concerns Over Broader Implications
Leaders noted that Trump has compared his intentions for Washington — and potentially other cities — to migrant enforcement tactics that have led to mass detentions and deportations without due process. They described these comparisons as alarming, pointing to the humanitarian criticisms such policies have drawn.
The faith leaders urged civic and political leaders to “reject fear-based governance and work together in a spirit of dignity and respect — so that safety, justice, and compassion prevail in our city.”
Protests and Public Response
Since the crackdown began, some residents have protested both in the streets and online, citing statistics showing violent crime in D.C. has declined. On Wednesday night, sporadic protests flared as federal patrols moved through neighborhoods.
The White House insists the operation has strong public support, portraying it as a necessary step to restore safety and order.
Signatories to the Statement
The statement, titled “Fear Is Not a Strategy for Safety”, was signed by prominent religious leaders, including:
- Bishop Mariann Budde, Washington National Cathedral
- Dean Randy Hollerith, Washington National Cathedral
- Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt, Adas Israel Congregation
- Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area Conference
- Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington
- Rev. John Molina-Moore, National Capital Presbytery
- Bishop Leila Ortiz, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
- Rabbi Jon Roos, Temple Sinai
- Rabbi Susan Shankman, Washington Hebrew Congregation
The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the religious leaders’ statement.
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