<h1>Federal Control of D.C. Police and National Guard Deployment Sparks Debate on Authority and Public Safety</h1> The federal government announced the placement of the Washington, D.C. police department under federal control and the deployment of the National Guard to address crime and homelessness in the city. Approximately 500 federal law enforcement officers, including agents from the FBI, ATF, DEA, ICE, and Marshals Service, are being assigned to patrol the area. This federal intervention raises legal questions about the balance of authority between federal and local governments, given Washington, D.C.'s unique status as a federal district. The move aims to enhance public safety but faces criticism from local officials concerned about the implications of federal control and the effectiveness of addressing underlying social issues.