Hegseth Expands National Guard Role in D.C., Allows Boats and Vehicles — Politico

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized D.C. National Guard troops to use boats, marked police cars and military vehicles to support police operations against drug traffickers and gangs, Politico reports, citing an Oct. 29 memo. Troops cannot make arrests or pursue suspects, and federal officers must be aboard Guard boats. The expanded presence runs through the end of the year, and the broader Guard mission is expected to last through Inauguration Day 2029. The Pentagon and White House did not immediately comment.