# Hegseth Authorizes Expanded National Guard Patrols in Washington D.C. New directives allow military vehicles and armed patrols to support local law enforcement operations. - **Source:** [PBS NewsHour – Politics](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/92b07d34-6f6d-4f50-8308-e2305843e895 ## Expanded Military Presence Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed two memos on October 29 authorizing the National Guard to increase its operational footprint in Washington D.C. The directive permits the use of 60 military police cars, tactical vehicles, and patrol boats. These assets aim to deepen the integration between federal troops and local law enforcement agencies. ## Operational Capabilities and Restrictions Troops are now permitted to carry rifles during specific operations, though this is prohibited within Metro rail stations. The memos explicitly forbid high-speed chases to ensure public safety. All military patrol cars must be clearly marked as National Guard vehicles, and personnel are required to remain in uniform while conducting these visibility patrols. ## Focus on Organized Crime The expanded mission targets gangs and drug traffickers within the capital. Hegseth has provided six analysts to assist in addressing organized drug distribution networks. Troops involved in these specific anti-gang operations are authorized to carry rifles alongside their standard-issue pistols, marking a significant escalation in the force's domestic law enforcement capabilities. ## Force Protection Measures To enhance security in patrol zones, the military will deploy 20 portable light towers. Despite these additions, the maximum number of deployed Guard members remains capped at 3,500. This figure is notably lower than the 5,000 troops present during the summertime peak associated with the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations earlier this year. ## Specialized Unit Deployment A separate memo grants the U.S. Marshals Service access to the 260th Special Purpose Brigade. This unit, which functions as a quick reaction force, is tasked with protecting key federal leaders and securing critical federal facilities. However, requests for military helicopters and assistance with local cleanup efforts like removing tires were officially denied. ## Internal Security Challenges The expansion follows several incidents involving Guard members assigned to the city. Reported issues include the arrest of a Georgia serviceman for brandishing a weapon at a colleague, another arrest for carrying an unauthorized firearm, and a shooting incident during a fight. These events highlight the complexities of maintaining discipline during domestic deployments. ## Legal and Political Disputes The District of Columbia government filed a lawsuit in September 2025, challenging the legality of using the military for domestic law enforcement. A federal appeals court panel heard arguments on October 14 after a lower court previously sided with the city. The Pentagon maintains the deployment supports the Make D.C. Safe mission. ## Current Troop Composition Nearly 3,100 Guard members from various states are currently stationed in Washington. The largest contingent comes from Georgia with over 500 personnel, followed closely by the District of Columbia with 514 members. This deployment continues the trend of utilizing state-level military resources for federal law enforcement objectives within the nation's capital. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/hegseth-allows-national-guard-to-boost-dc-patrols-with-military-vehicles-boats-and-patrol-cars — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._