Republican Sen. Jim Banks backs Trump’s DC crime crackdown with new bill
FIRST ON FOX: Senate Republican Proposes Legislation to Redefine “Youth Offender” in Washington, D.C.
A new bill introduced by Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., aims to address a key issue in Washington, D.C.’s criminal justice system. The legislation focuses on redefining the definition of a “youth offender” in the district, a topic that has garnered attention from President Donald Trump.
Currently, individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 in D.C. are considered youth offenders under the city’s Youth Rehabilitation Act, receiving deferred sentencing for various crimes. However, Sen. Banks’ proposed DC CRIMES Act seeks to lower the age range definition to 18 years old and eliminate judicial discretion to sentence youth offenders below mandatory minimums.
The bill also prohibits the D.C. government from altering mandatory minimums or sentence guidelines and requires the collection and publication of data on juvenile crime in the district by the D.C. attorney general.
Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., wants to change Washington, D.C.’s criminal code to redefine what it means to be a “youth offender.” (Bill Clark)
“My bill backs President Trump’s mission to restore law and order in our nation’s capital by cracking down on violent crime and enforcing real consequences,” Banks stated. “Make Washington, D.C., safe and great again!”
This legislative effort comes amidst President Trump’s recent actions to combat crime in D.C., including federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department and deploying federal agents and National Guard members to the area.
While Sen. Banks’ bill does not align with Trump’s call to prosecute minors as adults starting at age 14, it does address concerns surrounding youth offenders and sentencing practices in the district.
Trump federalized Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department earlier this month. (Getty Images)
Recent crime data from the District indicates a rise in juvenile arrests, with over 1,100 arrests recorded this year alone. Additionally, since the federalization of the local police force, there have been over 1,600 arrests and 168 illegal guns seized.
“Our mission is making D.C. safe again,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi in response to the ongoing efforts to address crime in the district.
President Donald Trump listens to a question from a reporter in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
