News Summary
President Donald Trump has deployed federal troops to Washington, D.C., citing rising crime rates. This move may extend to cities like Detroit, which faces significant violent crime challenges. Despite a recent decline in Washington’s violent crime, Detroit reports alarming statistics, including a high number of violent crimes per capita. As public safety remains a pressing issue, local officials are advocating for measures to combat urban violence and enhance community safety.
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has deployed federal troops to Washington, D.C., in response to what he described as “out-of-control crime.” This deployment is part of a broader strategy that may lead to sending National Guard troops to other major cities, particularly Detroit, which is currently grappling with high violent crime rates.
Detroit’s violent crime rate stands at 1,781 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, nearly double that of Washington, D.C., which has a rate of 926 per 100,000. According to the FBI, violent crimes include offenses that involve force or the threat of force, encompassing rape, murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and nonnegligent manslaughter. In 2024, Detroit ranked second among cities with populations over 500,000 for violent crime, trailing only Memphis, Tennessee, which had a staggering rate of 2,501 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Washington, D.C., ranked 10th during the same period.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump referred to Washington, D.C. as “one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world.” However, statistics from the Metropolitan Police Department indicate a 26% reduction in violent crime in Washington, D.C. in 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline has raised questions about the need for the recent troop deployment.
The top cities exhibiting the highest violent crime rates as of 2024 are Memphis, Detroit, Baltimore (1,606 per 100,000), Kansas City (1,547), and Milwaukee (1,431). While Detroit has maintained its second-place status for violent crime from 2021 to 2024, it has seen a 17% reduction in its crime rate, dropping from 2,153 to 1,781 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
In 2025, Detroit reported its lowest homicides, shootings, and carjackings in over 50 years. A spokesperson for the City of Detroit noted that the relationship between local law enforcement and federal agencies has played a significant role in this decline. Furthermore, the Trump administration is contemplating the formation of a Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force, composed of 600 National Guard troops, aimed at managing civil unrest in cities across the U.S.
Despite some apparent improvements, city officials acknowledge ongoing concerns regarding crime. Detroit reported a decline in homicides from 252 in 2023 to 203 in 2024, reflecting a 19% drop and the lowest homicide rate since 1965. Incidents of nonfatal shootings also decreased by 25%, with 606 incidents in 2024 compared to 804 the previous year. The total violent offenses reported by the Detroit Police Department for 2024 amounted to 11,826, constituting a 7% reduction from the previous year, while property crime fell by 3%, totaling 28,797 offenses.
To address lingering concerns and enhance public safety, Mayor Mike Duggan has urged the Michigan state Legislature for funding to bolster community violence initiatives. Efforts to combat juvenile crime and freeway shootings include the installation of 450 state-funded cameras and license plate readers, slated for completion by year-end. These measures reflect a multi-faceted approach involving increased police presence and enhanced community collaboration.
While the overall crime trend appears promising, critics have raised concerns regarding potential surveillance measures, citing the overlap of various security initiatives in Detroit. Additionally, surveys indicate a mixed perception of safety among local business owners, who advocate for continued community engagement and support. The evolving landscape of crime and public safety in cities like Detroit illustrates the complexities of addressing urban violence amid changing law enforcement dynamics and federal involvement.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Trump Sends Troops to Address Crime
- Wikipedia: Violent Crime
- Detroit Free Press: Detroit Homicides and Shootings
- Google Search: Detroit Homicides 2025
- CBS News: Crime in Detroit Trends Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Rate
- WXYZ: Detroit Crime Statistics Unveiling
- Google News: Detroit Crime Statistics
- Bridge Detroit: Crime Reduction Program Jeopardy
- Police1: Detroit’s Crime Reduction Plan
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
