8 months after Trump declared crime emergency, 2,500 National Guard troops remain deployed. Trump issued executive order in August to address crime emergency. Task force reported 12,000 arrests, including 62 gang members. Taxpayers pay over $1M daily for National Guard presence. Two West Virginia guards ambushed, killing Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. Protests planned for May 1 to oppose federal surge. Military presence could 'tilt the playing field' for voters. Court battle ongoing over National Guard deployment