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WASHINGTON, Federal law enforcement activity in Washington, D.C., has affected the city’s delivery driver community, with some workers limiting their time on the streets during an ongoing federal operation.

Since August 7, the Trump administration has coordinated a law enforcement effort involving the Metropolitan Police Department, federal agents, and National Guard personnel. According to official reports, the operation is aimed at addressing crime in the District. A White House spokesperson confirmed that federal agents participated in 630 arrests, of which 40 percent involved individuals without legal status in the United States.

Local businesses near high-traffic areas have reported declines in customer activity. Kiros Gebretsadik, who operates a café near a Metro station, said that foot traffic has dropped since the operation began. Street vendors in nearby areas have also noted fewer customers, with some attributing the reduction in part to delivery drivers operating more cautiously.

Michael Lukens, executive director of the nonprofit Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, stated that some drivers are reducing their work hours due to concerns about law enforcement encounters. He noted that federal agents have accompanied local police during some traffic stops.

The federal presence has been highly visible in central areas, including locations near the National Mall and Union Station, with vehicles and personnel identifiable as National Guard or federal agencies. Officials have confirmed that Guard members are in support roles and are not authorized to perform direct law enforcement duties.

The White House has emphasized the operation’s public safety objectives. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the arrests targeted individuals engaged in criminal activity. Spokesperson Taylor Rogers added that the operation resulted in the removal of “hundreds of dangerous criminals” and forms part of a broader effort to address crime in the capital.

Video recordings shared by bystanders have documented interactions between federal agents and individuals in the city. In one recorded incident, a delivery driver was detained after leaving a coffee shop; officials confirmed the individual had previously entered the United States without authorization. In another case, a driver was detained following a traffic incident to allow verification of immigration documentation.

Despite reports of reduced activity among some drivers, delivery services continue to operate in parts of Washington. Drivers with legal authorization to work in the United States have confirmed that they remain active, though some have limited their operations in areas with increased federal enforcement.

Observers and advocacy organizations continue to monitor the situation, focusing on both public safety outcomes and the impact on immigrant communities, including workers in the delivery sector. Local business owners report continued challenges as customer traffic and commerce adjust to the ongoing federal operation.