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A Neighborhood Caught Between Security and Distrust

In a part of the nation’s capital that lies across the tracks and the river, residents can see iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Waldorf Astoria (formerly the Trump Hotel), and the U.S. Capitol dome. However, what they cannot see are the National Guard units patrolling these areas. Nor do they see them on the other side of the Anacostia River.

Anacostia, a historically significant neighborhood in Washington, D.C., is home to figures like Frederick Douglass. Yet, it is also a place where residents feel the need for more law enforcement resources to address crime. This need is complicated by the federal presence, which many locals question.

Mable Carter, 82, expresses her concerns about safety. She says she has to take the bus to get around, and it’s “horrifying.” While military units patrol Union Station and public spaces where tourists gather, she feels they are not present in her area. “They are armed — on the Mall. Ain’t nobody doing nothing on the Mall. It’s for show,” she said.

Carter would prefer to see more local police in the area, under the direction of Chief Pamela Smith. “I’d rather see them give her a chance. She has the structure in place,” she added.

The Pentagon provided a list of stations where National Guard units were stationed as of late last month. None of these locations were east of the Anacostia River. When asked if there were plans to extend or increase these deployments, a White House spokesperson stated that federal law enforcement officers have been working in the area, including making arrests for violent crimes. However, the National Guard is not involved in arrests at this time.

A Community Divided

Over two weekends, conversations with residents in the area revealed a common theme. Many want more law enforcement resources but distrust the motives behind the federal surge. They also worry about how it affects the authority of local leaders and officers.

While crime is more severe in certain parts of the district, it is not as high as it was three decades ago when the D.C. National Guard worked alongside the Metropolitan Police. This year, homicides in the district have decreased by 17% compared to last year, but over 60% of them occur in the two wards east of the Anacostia River.

Henny, a store owner who prefers to remain anonymous, shared his experience of being robbed by teenagers. He called the police, but no one responded. “I didn’t see a weapon,” he said. “No patrol officers came.”

He believes things are getting worse, even though the city claims crime is down. “I don’t see it,” he said.

The Legacy of Gun Violence

Rosie Hyde, a 75-year-old widow, has a different perspective. Her son, Samuel Johnson, was killed in 1991 during a wave of gun violence that saw annual homicides exceed 400. “That tells you the rampage with guns is nothing new,” she said.

Hyde, a retired probation officer, believes President Trump is focusing on areas where he will gain attention—like the train station and the Mall. “They haven’t been over here like that,” she said.

The Anacostia Community Museum stands as a reminder of the neighborhood's history and its ongoing struggles. Its plaque highlights the stories of those furthest from opportunity in the region.

Federal agents, including FBI and Border Patrol, are working with local authorities in the area. Despite their presence, many residents feel the support is inconsistent. Norm Nixon, an associate pastor at Union Temple Baptist Church, noted that while federal agents are around, their presence is not constant, and no military uniforms are seen on the streets.

Nixon questions why the president decided to federalize the city when violence exists in many areas, including rural ones. “The president needs to have these initiatives to make it seem like something is happening,” he said.

Vernon Hancock, a church elder, believes Trump’s actions are a test. “Washington, D.C., is easy because it is federal,” he said. “He wants to take this to other cities and spread this.”