A year ago, former President Trump declared a so-called “crime emergency” in Washington, D.C., alleging the city was taken over by violent criminals and gangs. Without providing evidence, he described the situation as dire, prompting the deployment of around 800 members of the D.C. National Guard and over 1,000 from other states. This move aimed to protect citizens from crime, yet the presence persists today against the local government’s wishes.

This continued military presence contradicts long-standing traditions and raises safety concerns, costing taxpayers millions daily. Despite the high costs, there has been no significant impact on violent crime rates. Trump remains committed to maintaining these troops, hoping the public will disengage.

From the start, the crime emergency claim lacked substance. In reality, the number of murders in Washington decreased from 274 in 2023 to 187 in 2024. Moreover, even a rise in crime would not have warranted emergency powers, designed for sudden crises beyond normal governmental capacity. Urban crime is predictable and manageable using regular governance tools.

The deployment raises other concerns. Historically, Americans resisted military interference in civil affairs. Using troops for policing breaks from centuries-old American principles, risking tyranny. Deploying the military should be a last resort and only when civilian authorities fail.

Military personnel, including National Guard members, are not trained as police. They lack in-depth knowledge of local legal systems and constitutional rights. Over the last year, incidents of improper detention and excessive force have emerged, highlighting these challenges.

The National Guard’s deployment has not effectively reduced crime. While some minor property crime reductions were reported initially, recent studies show minimal impact on violent crime. Moreover, deployment expenses have been exorbitant, exceeding $3 million daily. A $292 million plan for housing the troops in Washington adds further financial burden.

Despite costs and minimal impact, the troop presence increases, with nearly 5,000 guards currently in place. Plans to maintain this until January 2029 estimate an additional $1.4 billion expense. An emergency cannot foreseeably last for years, revealing the intent to normalize using troops domestically.

Using National Guard forces in semi-active roles such as “presence patrols” normalizes military presence on city streets. This normalization poses risks, such as potential military involvement in civilian protests or political scenarios, including blocking legislative processes with armed force.

Ironically, this military presence coincides with the nation’s 250th Independence Day anniversary, reminding us of past dangers like those denounced in the Declaration of Independence. The risk of accepting troops in domestic roles remains high. The public must demand the end of these deployments.

Joseph Nunn, of the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, highlights these issues, focusing on laws related to domestic military activities, including National Guard roles.