ICE 'Operation Safe Community' Nets 1,328 Arrests Across Washington D.C. Suburbs in Virginia, Maryland

DHS announced August 24, 2026 that a two-week ICE operation dubbed 'Operation Safe Community – Washington, D.C.,' conducted between August 1 and August 14 across Virginia and Maryland, resulted in 1,328 arrests, concentrated in the D.C. suburbs but extending into other parts of both states. DHS said roughly 400 of those arrested had been convicted of or charged with crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, kidnapping, domestic violence, arson, and drug trafficking, and that members of MS-13, the 18th Street Gang, and Tren de Aragua were among those apprehended. ICE said officers proceeded despite sanctuary policies in many of the counties involved. Local outlets obtained video showing agents chasing, surrounding, and handcuffing people during the operation.