The identity of heavily armed riot police in Washington, D.C., in drab military-style uniforms with no insignia continues to be a mystery.
On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged President Donald Trump to provide a list of federal agencies involved in policing protests in Washington, according to CNBC.
“I am writing to request a full list of the agencies involved and clarifications of the roles and responsibilities of the troops and federal law enforcement resources operating in the city,” Pelosi wrote.
CNBC reported some of the unidentified and unmarked personnel have, at times, used force to push demonstrators out of areas in Washington.
And protesters have demanded the law enforcement personnel identify themselves, as well.
Politico, in a story on Friday, noted protesters have identified some of the personnel as belonging to the Bureau of Prisons’ riot police from Texas. However, the agencies associated with the others are not known since the personnel have no identifying emblems or name badges.
Politico noted the ranks of the nation’s civilian federal law enforcement has been growing by roughly 2,500 officers annually ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
And the website pointed out that nearly all of these agencies are headquartered in and around Washington — making it convenient for Attorney General Bill Barr to use them when needed.
USA Today reported on Monday that Barr was sending federal riot teams to Washington and Miami, including personnel from the Bureau of Prisons, while the FBI was deploying its Hostage Rescue Unit to help in the capital.