D.C. Task Force Launches Summer Surge of Federal Enforcement Ahead of 250th Independence Day

The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force is launching a massive "summer surge" of federal law enforcement to ensure Washington, D.C., becomes the safest city in America ahead of the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebrations.

Task force leaders highlighted the Trump administration's success in reducing violent crime during a news conference Friday. Since the task force started last year, the joint operation has led to nearly 13,000 arrests, the seizure of more than 1,400 illegal guns, the capture of 32 murder suspects and the recovery of 23 missing children.

Aggressive enforcement has driven down overall crime in D.C. by 26 percent. Homicides fell nearly 50 percent, and carjackings dropped 60 percent. The U.S. Attorney's Office reported more than 7,000 convictions over the past year.

Officials said the summer surge will target "teen takeovers" that have disrupted neighborhoods and closed businesses. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro criticized the D.C. Council for refusing to address the issue. She announced a zero-tolerance policy that holds parents accountable under a D.C. statute for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Starting immediately, federal prosecutors will charge parents who drop off their children, fail to supervise them or let them skip school to join the disturbances. Those parents face fines, court-ordered classes and up to six months in jail.

"Law-abiding taxpayers should no longer have to pay for parental neglect," Pirro said. "Parents, do your jobs or we will do ours. In the end, taxpayers will no longer subsidize the chaos caused by parental neglect."

Officials aim for perfection with the task force. Multiple federal agencies will send personnel and advanced technology into the district to dismantle remaining criminal networks. A request seeks 1,500 more National Guardsmen, raising the total to 5,000.

The task force will use high-visibility patrols, drones, tactical K-9 units and helicopters to fight crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration plans to increase resources against out-of-state drug cartels and treat dealers like terrorists.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will expand operations to seize illegal guns trafficked from Maryland and Virginia. Homeland Security Investigations will double its street agents to combat identity theft and fraudulent housing claims.