Mathew Silverman is the National President for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the largest nonpartisan, nonprofit professional association, exclusively representing federal law enforcement officers. Mathew also runs the board of advisors for Law Enforcement Today and Blue Lives Matter.
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As many already know, federal law enforcement and the Army National Guard have been deployed to Washington, D.C. to help address rising crime.
The long and inconsistent hours have certainly taken a toll on officers, but no one can deny the results.
Crime is dropping, and the residents I’ve spoken with are grateful. Many who invested heavily in homes here told me it has been years since they felt safe enough to enjoy the city, especially after dark.
It’s troubling that in the greatest country in the world, so many Americans still don’t feel safe in their own nation’s capital.
Since the launch of the Washington, D.C. operation on August 11, 2025, law enforcement has already removed more than 100 illegal firearms from the streets, guns that are no longer in the hands of criminals and can no longer threaten the safety of our communities.
Over 1,000 arrests have been made in just a few short weeks, and these numbers continue to rise as the operation moves forward.
Before this effort, our nation’s capital was plagued by nightly shootings and murders.
Today, thanks to the relentless work of our dedicated law enforcement officers and their proactive, community-focused approach, we are seeing a clear deterrent effect on violent crime. Washington, D.C. is becoming safer because of their commitment and courage.
Some may not agree with President Trump, some may even dislike him, but we must be willing to acknowledge when progress is made.
I saw the same thing when the stock market dipped for a few weeks as social media and certain news outlets loudly blamed the President. But when the market rebounded to record highs, those same critics stayed silent.
Too often, people highlight only the bad and refuse to give credit where it’s due simply because they don’t like who occupies the White House.
Do I agree with every decision the Administration makes? No. But I can admit when something is working even if it’s not done in the most traditional way. For years, cities like Washington, D.C. have asked for federal support in reducing crime.
Now that resources are finally being provided, some still complain. Unfortunately, for some, politics outweigh results. I just hope average citizens, and not the loudest voices, see the good that is happening.
People often ask me, “Isn’t this a waste of federal agents’ talent?” My answer is simple: our obligation is to keep Americans safe. If local and state agencies don’t have the staffing to do so, then we must step in. That’s our oath, and that’s our duty.
I even saw a post from a woman who said she was carjacked and injured, but she would rather face that than have federal law enforcement and the military patrolling her city.
That may be one opinion, but I believe most people would rather see law enforcement prevent those crimes before they happen.
The support shown for our officers has been inspiring. Attorney General Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Blanche, USSS Director Sean Curran, USSS Uniformed Division Chief Richard Macauley, U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta, DEA Administrator Terry Cole, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and others came out to personally thank our federal officers and agents.
Even President Trump himself showed up to demonstrate his support for our efforts, and to buy dinner for everyone. Whether you support the Administration or not, that kind of direct engagement matters. It shows appreciation, and it boosts morale.
Do I think these agents are being used in the most specialized way? No.
But their professionalism and presence are making streets safer, restoring confidence, and helping local businesses recover.
At the end of the day, we don’t work for a political party or a single leader—we work for the American people.
We swore an oath to serve and protect, and when called, we do the job with professionalism and honor.
Crime has been out of control for too long. If it takes extraordinary measures to take our cities back, then that is what must be done.
Attorney General Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Blanche, United States Attorney Jeanine Pirro, and others have been clear and vocal: crime is a major problem, and we will not stand for it any longer.
Criminals must be held accountable for the offenses they commit. The era of leniency is over, and the message is clear: if you do the crime, you will do the time.
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