Dozens arrested in Washington, as Trump intensifies crime crackdown

Nearly 70 people were arrested in the US capital on the night of August 16 as part of an ongoing law enforcement operation backed by President Donald Trump, aimed at reducing crime in the city.

According to figures shared by the White House with Fox News, a total of 68 arrests were made during the overnight sweep. Authorities also reported the seizure of 15 illegal firearms, Caliber.Az reports.

The individuals detained face a range of charges, including aggravated assault, assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, fugitive from justice, felony grand larceny, and possession of controlled substances. Others were accused of fleeing from law enforcement or driving without a valid permit.

In addition to the arrests, three homeless encampments were dismantled in the city on the same night. A White House official noted that these clearances occurred without incident and resulted in no arrests.

Since the operation began on August 7, a total of 308 arrests have been recorded, including 135 individuals identified by the White House as undocumented immigrants with alleged gang affiliations or histories of violent crime.

The enforcement campaign follows Trump’s recent pledge to restore safety and order to Washington, D.C. In a statement on Truth Social, he said: “Before the tents, squalor, filth, and crime, it was the most beautiful Capital in the world. It will soon be that again.”

By Sabina Mammadli