Hegseth approves 60 military police cars for Washington D.C. patrols
The Defense Secretary authorized the addition of tactical vehicles, boats, and rifles for National Guard troops, while keeping the total troop count capped at 3,500.
By Jessica Abebe ·
Sixty military police cars will join National Guard patrols in the nation's capital after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed off on the expansion. The approval, contained in two memos dated Oct. 29, also permits the use of tactical vehicles, patrol boats, and portable light towers. Troops will be allowed to carry rifles during specific operations, though they are barred from doing so inside Metro rail stations.
The authorization deepens the integration of military forces with local law enforcement in Washington. Hegseth stated that the maximum number of deployed Guard members will remain at 3,500. This figure is lower than the approximately 5,000 troops present during the summer for America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The memos describe the expanded efforts as "visibility patrols" and note that 20 light towers will be used to enhance force protection in patrol zones.
The visual presence of military hardware on city streets recalls the initial deployment in August 2025. At that time, President Donald Trump sent the National Guard to the capital for a crime-fighting mission. Tactical vehicles and armed troops were quickly visible at major landmarks. Since then, Guard members have supported police operations, patrolled neighborhoods, dispersed homeless camps, and assisted with cleanup efforts.
The increased deployment comes amid several incidents involving Guard members assigned to the city. A Georgia serviceman was arrested for pointing a gun at a fellow Guard member. Another member was arrested for carrying an unauthorized firearm. A third Guardsman was shot while attempting to break up a fight. These events have raised questions about the management of the force in a dense urban environment.
The memos restrict how troops operate. Patrol cars must be marked with the words "National Guard," and all personnel must wear uniforms. Two National Guard patrol boats will provide operational maritime support. The documents explicitly forbid troops from conducting high-speed chases. Hegseth is also continuing to provide six analysts to address organized drug distribution within the District.
The new orders suggest troops will take on a larger role in combating gangs and drug traffickers. Personnel supporting these operations will now carry rifles in addition to their standard pistols. One memo grants the U.S. Marshals Service access to the D.C. National Guard's 260th Special Purpose Brigade. This unit, which functions as a quick reaction force, will help protect key federal leaders and secure federal facilities.
Not all requests were granted. A Nov. 4 memo denied the Marshals Service's request for National Guard helicopters or troops to clean up abandoned tires in specific areas of the city. The Pentagon confirmed that Hegseth authorized the continued use of Guard personnel and capabilities to support the "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful" mission. The District of Columbia sued in September 2025, arguing the mobilization is an illegal use of the military for domestic law enforcement.
A federal appeals court panel heard arguments on Oct. 14 after a lower court sided with the city. Currently, nearly 3,100 Guard members from various states are stationed in Washington. More than 500 are from Georgia, the largest contingent outside the local force. The District of Columbia had 514 of its own members involved in the operation as of Monday.
