D.C. religious leaders denounce Trump crackdown as 24/7 federal patrols ramp up

Source: msn/Axios

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The Trump administration's D.C. crackdown was ramping up National Guard deployment and 24/7 federal patrols on Wednesday night, drawing a sharp rebuke from religious leaders in the U.S. capital.

The big picture: President Trump's maintains his unprecedented action in declaring a "crime emergency" in D.C. was needed, but the interfaith group said his "sweeping language" to justify it, claiming the city is "overrun by violent gangs ... drugged out maniacs, and homeless people," is "inaccurate and dehumanizing, increasing the risk of indiscriminate arrests and the use of excessive force."

What they're saying: "Even one violent crime is one too many, and all Washingtonians deserve to live in safety. But safety cannot be achieved through political theatre and military force," per the statement from the group that includes Bishop Mariann Budde — who upset Trump at a January prayer service when she implored him to "have mercy" on immigrants and LGBTQ+ people.

"It requires honesty and sustained collaboration between government, civic, and private partners — work now being sidelined," the statement reads.

"Inflammatory rhetoric distracts from that work, even as the administration has cut more than $1 billion from programs proven to reduce crime, including law enforcement support, addiction and mental health treatment, youth programs, and affordable housing," the statement said.