Trump Administration Sending Federal Forces To Cleveland, Detroit And Milwaukee

TOPLINE

The Trump administration is sending federal agents to Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee in an expansion of the president’s law enforcement program targeting Democratic-run cities with recent spikes in violent crime. 

KEY FACTS

Crucial Quote 

“For decades, the Department of Justice has achieved significant success when utilizing our anti-violent crime task forces and federal law enforcement agents to enforce federal law and assist American cities that are experiencing upticks in violent crime,” Barr said in the announcement. “The Department of Justice’s assets will supplement local law enforcement efforts, as we work together to take the shooters and chronic violent criminals off of our streets.”

Key Background 

Over 25 federal investigators from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will be sent to Cleveland, whose police department is also receiving $10 million to fund the hiring of 30 officers. Detroit will receive approximately 42 agents from the same agencies and $2.4 million to hire new officers. Another 25 agents are en route to Milwaukee to battle a rise in violent crime, while the federal government is offering $10.2 to fund the hiring of new officers in several Wisconsin cities. 

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett previously said federal agents “are not welcome” in his city, though he noted federal presence would be accepted if “the limits of their activities are clearly delineated and monitored” and they seek to cooperate with local law enforcement. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan echoed that sentiment, saying while Detroit did not ask for federal involvement, they will be accepted “so long as they are used in the continuing effort to enforce federal laws on illegal gun trafficking and gang violence.” Cleveland’s Mayor Frank Jackson has not made any public comments regarding this announcement.