The US war secretary’s memorandum permits up to 60 marked patrol cars and up to 20 light towers and generators for a mission supporting law enforcement in Washington.
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth signed an 29 October 2026 memorandum authorizing National Guard troops in Washington to use up to 60 marked patrol cars, military tactical vehicles including Humvees, boats, and up to 20 light towers and generators, without confirming their deployment. Two Pentagon officials confirmed the authorization to Fox News, and a War Department official said the equipment was authorized to support federal and local law enforcement.
President Donald Trump began mobilizing Guard troops for the Washington crime mission in August 2025. Hegseth later allowed them in 2025 to carry service-issued weapons when their mission required it. As of 5 November 2026, 3,084 Guard members were assigned to the mission.
The department said the equipment supports the continued use of Guard personnel in the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Authorized military vehicles include light medium tactical vehicles, utility trucks used to carry cargo and personnel.
Under the memorandum, troops cannot make arrests but may temporarily detain someone while local law enforcement is alerted, Task & Purpose said. They must wear military uniforms and remain clearly distinguishable from civilian law enforcement.
The guidance says boat crews would help secure an area and protect law enforcement conducting operations against gang leaders or drug traffickers near Anacostia Park. Troops cannot fire their service-issued weapons aboard the boats, and a federal officer must be aboard to assist with any arrest. They also cannot be issued bayonets, share equipment with law enforcement, conduct intelligence operations or use helicopters or other aircraft.
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At a November 5 hearing on the federal law enforcement and Guard presence, D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto called the military presence unnecessary, harmful and unlawful and sought its removal. Pinto chairs the council’s public safety committee.
Pinto urged newly elected Democratic governors in Georgia, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio and Texas to withdraw the combined 628 troops she said their states had sent to Washington. She also asked congressional Democrats to strengthen oversight in January, including requirements for identifying badges and body cameras.
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