National Guard deploys to DC as Trump expands crime and homeless crackdown

West Virginia National Guard members could begin operations in Washington, D.C., as early as today, according to a defense official.

(CNN)- West Virginia National Guard members could begin operations in Washington, D.C., as early as today, according to a defense official. Their mission is to assist the D.C. National Guard in carrying out President Donald Trump’s crackdown on crime.

At least five Republican governors have announced they will also deploy Guard units to the capital. But D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has called the move excessive, saying the city does not need thousands of out-of-state troops.

Others disagree, including Republican strategist Scott Jennings, who argues the reinforcements are necessary and effective. Still, not all Republican governors are on board. Vermont’s governor said policing should not be the Guard’s role.

Meanwhile, Trump’s effort to remove homeless people from the city continues. Some residents say the crackdown treats them unfairly.

“The president’s treating us like we’re criminals. I’m not a criminal,” said Joyce, a homeless D.C. resident.

Another local resident, Mike, described the situation as chaotic, pointing to drug activity and unsanitary conditions on the streets.

Trump has said his goal is to connect homeless individuals with services outside the capital. But advocates argue that many are simply being displaced within the city, worsening their struggle to find stability.

“They are losing their possessions, their dignity, and their connection to services,” said Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Homelessness Law Center. “We’re making it harder for them to get out of homelessness.”

As city officials, residents, and advocates debate the approach, many in D.C.’s homeless community say they are left with nowhere to go.