Hegseth allows National Guard to boost DC patrols with military vehicles, boats and patrol cars
Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved expanded National Guard patrol capabilities in Washington, including military police cars, tactical vehicles, boats and portable light towers. The deployment cap remains 3,500 troops, and the District of Columbia continues to challenge the deployment in court as an unlawful use of the military for domestic law enforcement.Key Facts
- Hegseth signed two memos on Oct. 29 authorizing the expanded capabilities.
- The Guard may use 60 military police cars, tactical vehicles, patrol boats and 20 portable light towers.
- Troops may carry rifles during some anti-gang and drug operations, but not in Metro rail stations.
- The memos prohibit troops from conducting high-speed chases and require patrol cars to be marked as National Guard vehicles.
- The maximum authorized deployment remains 3,500 Guard members, below the summer peak of about 5,000.
- One memo allows the U.S. Marshals Service to use the D.C. National Guard’s 260th Special Purpose Brigade to protect federal leaders and facilities.
- A Nov. 4 memo denied requests for National Guard helicopters and for troops to remove abandoned tires.
- Nearly 3,100 Guard members from various states were in Washington; the District of Columbia sued over the deployment in September 2025.
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