Trump administration to keep DC police chief in place, but under immigration enforcement order
chicagotribune.com -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 3:27:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Immigration Policy & Border Issues, Presidential Campaigns, State Politics & Governors
WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration on Friday reversed course and agreed to leave the Washington, D.C., police chief in control of the department, while Attorney General Pam Bondi, in a new memo, directed the District's police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement regardless of any city law.
The order from Bondi came after officials in the nation's capital sued Friday to block President Donald Trump's takeover of the Washington police. The night before, his administration had escalated its intervention into the city's law enforcement by naming a federal official as the new emergency head of the department, essentially placing the police force under the full control of the federal government.
The attorney general's new order represents a partial retreat for the Trump administration in the face of intense skepticism from a judge over the legality of Bondi's earlier directive. But Bondi also signaled the administration would continue to pressure D.C. leaders to help federal authorities aggressively pursue immigrants in the country illegally, despite city laws on the books that limit cooperation between police and immigration authorities.
In a social media post Friday evening, Bondi criticized D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, saying he "continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety." But she added, "We remain committed to working closely with Mayor Bowser."
Mayor Muriel Bowser's office said late Friday that it was still evaluating how it can comply with the new Bondi order on immigration enforcement operations. The police department already eased some restrictions on cooperating with federal officials facilitating Trump's mass-deportation campaign but reaffirmed that it would follow the district's sanctuary city laws.
In a letter sent Friday night to D.C. citizens, Bowser wrote: "It has been an unsettling and unprecedented week in our city. Over the course of a week, the surge in federal law enforcement across D.C. has created waves of anxiety."
She added that "our limited self-government has never faced the type of test we are facing right now," but added that if Washingtonians stick together, "we will show the entire nation what it looks like to fight for American democracy - even when we don't have full access to it."
The legal battle was the latest evidence of the escalating tensions in a mostly Democratic city that now has its police department largely under the control of the Republican president's administration. Trump's takeover is historic, yet it had played out with a slow ramp-up in federal law enforcement officials and National Guard troops to start the week.
As the weekend approached, though, signs across the city -- from the streets to the legal system -- suggested a deepening crisis over who controls the city's immigration and policing policies, the district's right to govern itself and daily life for the millions of people who live and work in the metro area.
The two sides sparred in court for hours Friday before U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who is overseeing the district's lawsuit. She indicated the law likely doesn't grant the Trump administration power to fully take over city police, but it probably does give the president more power than the city might like.
"The way I read the statute, the president can ask, the mayor must provide, but the president can't control," said Reyes, who was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Joe Biden. The judge pushed the two sides to make a compromise.
An attorney for the Trump administration, Yaakov Roth, said the move to sideline Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith came after an immigration order that still held back some aid to federal authorities. He argued that the president has broad authority to determine what kind of help police in Washington must provide.
The police takeover is the latest move by Trump to test the limits of his legal authorities to carry out his agenda, relying on obscure statutes and a supposed state of emergency to bolster his tough-on-crime message and his plans to speed up the mass deportation of people in the United States illegally.
It also marks one of the most sweeping assertions of federal authority over a local government in modern times. While Washington has grappled with spikes in violence and visible homelessness, the city's homicide rate ranks below those of several other major U.S. cities, and the capital is not in the throes of the public safety collapse the Trump administration has portrayed.
The president has more power over the nation's capital than other cities, but D.C. has elected its own mayor and city council since the Home Rule Act was signed in 1973.
Trump is the first president to exert control over the city's police force since it was passed. The law limits that control to 30 days without congressional approval, though Trump has suggested he'd seek to extend it.
Bondi's Thursday night directive to place the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Terry Cole, in charge of the police department came even after Smith had told MPD officers hours earlier to share information with immigration agencies regarding people not in custody, such as someone involved in a traffic stop or checkpoint. The Justice Department said Bondi disagreed with the police chief's instructions because they allowed for continued practice of "sanctuary policies," which generally limit cooperation by local law enforcement with federal immigration officers.
Meanwhile, advocates in Washington were trying to advise immigrants on how to respond. Anusce Sanai, associate legal director for the Washington-based immigrant nonprofit Ayuda, said they're still parsing the legal aspects of the policies.
"Even with the most anti-immigrant administration, we would always tell our clients that they must call the police, that they should call the police," Sanai said. "But now we find ourselves that we have to be very careful on what we advise."
Amy Fischer, an organizer with Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid, said that before the federal takeover, most of what they had seen in the nation's capital was Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeting specific individuals. But since last Friday night they've seen a "really significant change," she said, with ICE and federal officers doing roving patrols around the city.
She said a hotline set up by immigration advocates to report ICE activity "is receiving calls almost off the hook."
ICE said in a post on X that their teams had arrested "several" people in Washington Friday. A video posted on X showed two uniformed personnel putting handcuffs on someone while standing outside a white transport van.
A population already tense from days of ramp-up has begun seeing more significant shows of force across the city. National Guard troops watched over some of the world's most renowned landmarks, and Humvees took position in front of the busy main train station. Volunteers helped homeless people leave long-standing encampments -- to where was often unclear.
Friday night along the district's U Street, a popular nightlife corridor, an Associated Press photographer saw officers from the FBI, the DEA, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Marshals and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
As the District challenged the Trump administration in court Friday, more than 100 protesters gathered less than a block away in front of police headquarters, chanting "Protect home rule!" and waving signs saying "Resist!"
Sign Our PetitionThe recent developments surrounding the Trump administration's intervention in the Washington, D.C. police department underscore a significant clash between local governance and federal authority, echoing historical struggles for autonomy and justice. The shift to maintain local police chief control while simultaneously enforcing federal immigration directives poses a complex challenge for D.C. residents and activists alike, particularly in a city with a long history of fighting for civil rights and self-determination. The context of this situation calls for critical examination, as it not only highlights current political tensions but also evokes the broader discourse around the rights of marginalized communities and the implications of federal overreach.
Historically, Washington, D.C. has been a focal point for civil rights activism, particularly as it relates to issues of representation and self-governance. The district, lacking voting representation in Congress, has often found its autonomy tested by federal mandates. The current administration's actions mirror a longstanding pattern of federal control over local matters, particularly in urban areas predominantly composed of marginalized populations. The insistence on enforcing federal immigration laws despite D.C.'s sanctuary city status reflects an alarming trend of undermining local legislation designed to protect vulnerable communities. This raises pertinent questions about the nature of democracy in a nation that prides itself on the tenets of local governance and community self-determination.
The attorney general's directive for the D.C. police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, regardless of local laws, has the potential to exacerbate fear and mistrust among immigrant communities. The historical context of immigration enforcement in the United States has consistently been marred by racial profiling, discrimination, and widespread human rights abuses. The D.C. police department's previous limitations on cooperation with ICE were meant to foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, a necessity for public safety. The erosion of this trust, catalyzed by federal pressure, could lead to more community members avoiding police assistance and reporting crimes, thereby undermining public safety efforts overall—an outcome that contradicts the stated objectives of such federal interventions.
Mayor Muriel Bowser's acknowledgment of the "unsettling and unprecedented" nature of this federal overreach is crucial. It emphasizes the emotional toll and anxiety that such actions create among residents, particularly in a city where many have fought so diligently for their rights and freedoms. The mayor’s statement serves as a rallying cry, urging citizens to remain united in their pursuit of justice and democracy. It recalls historical moments when communities, facing oppressive governance, banded together to assert their rights. This moment calls for a renewed commitment to collective action, reflecting the ongoing struggle against authoritarianism and for civil liberties that has characterized movements throughout U.S. history.
The legal battles that ensue from this confrontation will not only shape the immediate future of D.C.'s policing and immigration policies but will also set critical precedents for other cities facing similar federal interventions. The outcomes will likely influence how sanctuary laws are interpreted and enforced across the nation, making it imperative for advocates of social justice to closely monitor these developments. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of local governance and the need to protect the rights of all communities, particularly those who have historically been marginalized by both local and federal authorities.
As tensions rise, it becomes essential for advocates and everyday citizens to engage in dialogue about the implications of such federal policies. The current crisis reminds us that the struggle for justice is ongoing and requires vigilance and dedication. By framing these issues within the broader context of civil rights and local autonomy, it becomes possible to galvanize support and challenge the status quo. The fight for justice in Washington, D.C. serves as a microcosm of larger national struggles, and it is critical to use this moment to inspire action and solidarity in the quest for a truly equitable society.
The recent actions taken by the Trump administration to exert control over the police department in Washington, D.C., represent a significant moment in the ongoing struggle over local governance and civil rights in the United States. By issuing an order that mandates cooperation between the D.C. police and federal immigration enforcement, the administration has escalated the conflict between federal authority and the rights of local jurisdictions to enact their own laws—particularly those aimed at protecting immigrant communities. This situation underscores the urgent need for citizens to engage with the governance of their cities and advocate for policies that reflect the values of inclusivity and justice.
Historically, the struggle for local control has been a prominent theme in American governance, particularly in the context of civil rights. From the civil rights movement's push against segregation to contemporary efforts aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants, local governments have often acted as the frontline defenders of progressive values against federal overreach. The Trump administration's recent moves can be viewed as part of a broader pattern of undermining local laws that seek to protect vulnerable populations. This situation is particularly troubling as it not only challenges the autonomy of D.C. but also sets a precedent for other cities across the nation to be similarly targeted. As citizens, we must recognize the implications of this escalation and work collectively to resist such federal encroachments on local governance.
As the order from Attorney General Pam Bondi indicates, the Trump administration is willing to pressure local officials into compliance with federal immigration enforcement, even when such actions contradict the laws of the city. This creates a chilling effect where immigrant communities may feel less safe reporting crimes or engaging with law enforcement, which ultimately undermines public safety in D.C. and beyond. It is essential for residents to advocate for their rights and encourage local leaders to stand firm against these pressures. Engaging in local politics, attending city council meetings, and supporting community organizations that advocate for immigrant rights can empower citizens to push back against these federal mandates.
Furthermore, the situation in Washington, D.C., provides a compelling case study for activists and citizens alike, demonstrating the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. Mayor Bowser's call for unity among Washingtonians is not just rhetoric; it is a rallying cry for collective resistance against authoritarianism. By participating in peaceful protests, supporting legal challenges, and amplifying the voices of those most affected by these policies, citizens can create a powerful counter-narrative to the fear propagated by the federal government. This is an opportunity for residents to organize and demonstrate to the country that while individual rights may be under threat, the resilience of communities can prevail.
Finally, we must also recognize the role that education plays in this struggle. The complexities of immigration enforcement, local governance, and civil rights laws can be intimidating, but they are essential subjects for public discourse. By educating ourselves and others about these issues, we can foster a more informed citizenry capable of challenging oppressive policies. Workshops, community forums, and online resources can help demystify these topics and empower individuals to take action. As we navigate this critical moment in American history, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to defend the rights of all individuals—regardless of their immigration status—and uphold the democratic values upon which this nation was founded.
In conclusion, the recent tensions between the Trump administration and D.C. officials over police control and immigration enforcement highlight the precarious balance of power in American governance. As citizens, we have the responsibility to actively engage in local politics, resist federal overreach, and work toward a society that prioritizes human rights and dignity. By standing together in solidarity, advocating for just policies, and educating ourselves and our communities, we can ensure that we do not cede our rights to an increasingly authoritarian government. Now is the time to act, to protect the values of democracy, and to fight for a future that respects and uplifts every member of our society.
The situation described in the article involves a significant federal intervention in local law enforcement policies, particularly regarding immigration enforcement in Washington, D.C. This poses a challenge to local governance and raises concerns about civil rights and the treatment of immigrant communities. Here are actionable steps that individuals can take to respond to these developments:
### 1. **Raise Awareness and Educate Others** - **Host a Community Forum**: Organize a meeting in your community or online to discuss the implications of federal immigration policies on local law enforcement. Invite local leaders, activists, and experts to provide insights and foster discussion. - **Share Information**: Use social media platforms to share facts about the situation, emphasizing the impact on immigrant communities and the importance of local governance.
### 2. **Petition and Advocacy** - **Sign Petitions**: Look for online petitions opposing the federal intervention and support local protections for immigrant communities. Websites like Change.org often have active petitions. Example: Search for petitions titled "Protect D.C. Immigrant Rights" or "Defend Local Control of D.C. Police." - **Create Your Own Petition**: If you don't find an existing petition that resonates, start your own on platforms like MoveOn.org or Change.org, calling for local leaders to resist undue federal influence.
### 3. **Contact Local Representatives** - **Write to Mayor Muriel Bowser**: - **Email**: [mayor@dc.gov](mailto:mayor@dc.gov) - **USPS Address**: 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 316, Washington, D.C. 20004 - **What to Say**: Express your support for protecting D.C.’s sanctuary policies and urge her to prioritize the safety and rights of immigrant communities in the face of federal pressure.
- **Contact D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb**: - **Email**: [oag@dc.gov](mailto:oag@dc.gov) - **USPS Address**: Office of the Attorney General, 400 6th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 - **What to Say**: Thank him for his efforts to challenge federal overreach and encourage continued resistance to policies that threaten local autonomy and immigrant rights.
### 4. **Participate in Local Advocacy Groups** - **Join Organizations**: Find and engage with local advocacy groups that focus on immigrant rights, policing reform, or civil liberties, such as the **American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)** or local immigrant advocacy organizations like **CASA**. Attend their meetings, volunteer, or participate in campaigns. - **Support Local Actions**: Get involved in rallies, protests, or letter-writing campaigns organized by these groups to show solidarity and advocate for change.
### 5. **Engage with the Legal System** - **Attend Court Hearings**: Follow and attend any court hearings related to the legal challenges against the federal government’s actions. This demonstrates community support and can help raise awareness of the issues at stake. - **Support Legal Aid Organizations**: Contribute time or resources to organizations that provide legal assistance to immigrants facing deportation or other legal challenges.
### 6. **Utilize Media Platforms** - **Write Op-Eds or Letters to the Editor**: Share your thoughts on the situation in local newspapers or online publications. Clearly articulate the importance of local control over police and immigration enforcement and the impact of federal actions. - **Leverage Social Media**: Create informative posts, graphics, or videos that highlight the issue and encourage others to take action, share personal stories, or illustrate the local impact.
### 7. **Foster Community Resilience** - **Build Support Networks**: Create spaces for immigrants and their allies within your community to connect, share resources, and support one another. This can be through local churches, community centers, or organized groups. - **Promote Local Resources**: Ensure that immigrant communities are aware of their rights and resources available to them, such as legal aid and community support services.
By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to a broader movement advocating for local governance, civil rights, and the humane treatment of immigrant populations in the face of federal challenges. Each action, whether small or large, contributes to the collective resistance against unjust policies and supports the ideals of democracy and community autonomy.