The first night of the federal surge reportedly saw 43 arrests in Washington, D.C. as federal officers took to the streets with the Metropolitan Police Department, a move that city leaders say could end up having a "positive" impact.

Trump's federalization of the D.C. police is spurning outrage among Democrats and local activists claiming this is another example why D.C. needs statehood.

Smith, a Democrat, said the additional help has been welcomed because her officers have been stretched thin over the amount of crime in the city. A recent report found Washington, D.C.'s homicide rate is the fourth highest in the country.