DC police to increase cooperation with immigration enforcement amid Trump crackdown
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D.C. police chief expands cooperation with immigration enforcement
D.C. police officers will now be able to assist federal immigration authorities. The order is a shift from the Metropolitan Police Department’s previous policy, which limited cooperation between the department and federal authorities. D.C.’s status as a so-called “sanctuary city,” which limits local cooperation with federal immigration agents, has come into question with the policy change. A push by Mayor Muriel Bowser to repeal the sanctuary city status in a 2026 budget bill was voted down in June. There have been over 140 arrests by law enforcement since Aug. 7, when the Trump administration first moved federal police assets into the city.
Washington, D.C., police officers will now be able to assist federal immigration authorities by sharing information about people who are not in police custody and by transporting federal immigration agents and detained individuals, according to a new order signed by Metropolitan Police Department chief Pamela Smith and published Thursday.
The order represents a shift from the Metropolitan Police Department’s previous policy, which limited cooperation between the department and federal immigration authorities. D.C. law still prohibits local law enforcement in the nation’s capital from sharing information about people being held in D.C. custody with immigration officers.
Smith’s order does not alter the current D.C. policy barring police officers from searching databases solely to check someone’s immigration status. District of Columbia police also may not arrest people whose only crime is being in the U.S. illegally. The Sanctuary Values Amendment Act passed in 2020 gave MPD independent authority from immigration officials.
The city’s status as a so-called “sanctuary city,” which limits local cooperation with federal immigration agents, has come into question with the policy change. A push by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to repeal the sanctuary city status in a 2026 budget bill was voted down by D.C. Council in June.
There have been over 140 arrests by law enforcement since Aug. 7, when the Trump administration first moved federal police assets into the city, according to the White House and FBI. FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X that at least 29 arrests made on Wednesday were “immigration-related.”
CBS News has reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department and Bowser’s office for comment.
On Monday, President Trump announced he was officially enforcing Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 and placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department “under direct federal control.” Under the act, the D.C. mayor must provide the president with the MPD’s services “as the President may deem necessary and appropriate” for 48 hours, and up to 30 days. If the president wants a lengthier extension, Congress must pass a joint resolution.
Mr. Trump said Attorney General Pam Bondi would take control of the department immediately, under a public safety emergency. A White House official later said the arrangement is expected to last 30 days.
As of Tuesday, nearly 1,500 federal law enforcement officers and National Guard members patrolled Washington, according to a White House official. Included among them are federal law enforcement officers are agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Patrol, United States Secret Service, and U.S. Marshalls.
Eight hundred National Guard members have been dispatched throughout the District, a defense official said, and their around-the-clock mission to assist federal and local law enforcement deployed by Mr. Trump started Thursday morning.
DC police chief boosts cooperation with ICE as part of Trump’s federal takeover
Washington, D.C.’s police chief has issued a directive to boost collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The Executive Order, signed by Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, was announced on Thursday. It permits MPD officers to exchange information with immigration officials regarding individuals not in custody. It comes just days after President Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard to Washington, and took control of the local police. Officials have indicated that as many as 800 National Guard troops could be stationed in D.D. to aid law enforcement efforts.
The Executive Order, signed by Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, was announced on Thursday. It permits MPD officers to exchange information with immigration officials regarding individuals not in custody, potentially affecting people stopped during routine traffic checks or checkpoints.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump places DC police under federal control, activates National Guard amid crime concerns
It comes just days after President Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard to Washington D.C., and took control of the local police. Officials have indicated that as many as 800 National Guard troops could be stationed in D.C. to aid law enforcement efforts.
The White House reports that there have already been multiple arrests under this new initiative. A defense official informed Scripps News that the National Guard will remain in place until the “mission is complete” — which is a fairly amorphous objective.
President Trump said he will seek cooperation from Republican lawmakers to extend the Guard’s deployment as he deems necessary.
“We’re going to need a crime bill that we’re going to be putting in. It’s going to pertain initially to D.C. It’s almost — we’re going to use it as a very positive example. And we’re going to be asking for extensions on that — long term extensions, because you can’t have 30 days,” President Trump said. “I don’t want to call a national emergency. If I have to, I will. But I think the Republicans in Congress will approve this pretty much unanimously.”
RELATED STORY | Trump’s DC police maneuver contradicted by crime statistics
It is not clear if there is enough support in Congress to secure an extension, which may require Democratic support to pass.
Washington. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, meanwhile, has so far struck a somewhat conciliatory tone with President Trump, but has commented that his actions are unprecedented and a breach of governmental norms. Scripps News learned that Bowser has briefly left the city for a “family commitment” but is planning to return on Friday.
DC police announce major action on immigration enforcement after Trump’s crime crackdown
Washington, D.C., Police Chief Pamela Smith issued an executive order giving limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities on Thursday. The move comes after the recent federal takeover of the department and the sending of National Guard troops to curb crime and homelessness in the capital. Officers can now help with “sharing information about persons not in MPD custody” such as during “traffic stops” and can provide “transportation for federal immigration agency employees and detained subjects” However, the order says personnel cannot “make any inquiry through any database solely for the purpose of inquiring about an individual’s immigration status” The capital is considered a sanctuary city, which Mayor Muriel Bowser tried to get scrapped earlier this year, according to Axios. On Wednesday night alone, there were 45 arrests, and 29 of them were people in the country illegally.
The move comes after the recent federal takeover of the department and the sending of National Guard troops to curb crime and homelessness in the capital.
According to the order, Metropolitan Police Department officers can now help with “sharing information about persons not in MPD custody” such as during “traffic stops” and can provide “transportation for federal immigration agency employees and detained subjects,” according to NBC 4 Washington.
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‘Radical’ Dc Officials Treated Officers ‘Like Crap,’ Police Leader Says – 7 Attacks That Led To Trump Takeover
President Donald Trump, alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi, discusses crime in Washington, D.C., at the White House on Aug. 11, 2025.
However, the order says personnel cannot “make any inquiry through any database solely for the purpose of inquiring about an individual’s immigration status.”
“Members shall not make inquiries into any person’s immigration status for the purpose of determining whether they have violated the civil immigration laws or for the purpose of enforcing civil immigration laws,” the order stated.
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“Members shall not arrest individuals based solely on federal immigration warrants or detainers as long as there is no additional criminal warrant or underlying offense for which the individual is subject to arrest,” the order continued.
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I Support Trump Taking Control Of Dc Police — The Constitution Is On His Side
Metropolitan Police Department officers investigate a shooting on Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The capital is considered a sanctuary city, which Mayor Muriel Bowser tried to get scrapped earlier this year, according to Axios.
Click Here For More Immigration Coverage
“Excellent news. America’s capital city should not be a sanctuary for lawlessness,” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, tweeted.
“MAKE D.C. SAFE AGAIN,” the White House’s rapid response account posted.
The federal takeover of the police department was announced by President Donald Trump on Monday, and there’s been a heightened law enforcement presence throughout the city, including the National Guard at places like Union Station.
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Ag Pam Bondi Meets With Dc Mayor As Trump Dispatches National Guard Troops In Capital
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents look over lists of names and hearing times and locations inside the Federal Plaza courthouse on June 27, 2025, in New York.
On Wednesday night alone, there were 45 arrests, and 29 of them were people in the country illegally, as numerous federal agencies are taking part in the major crackdown.
While the takeover has been praised by Republicans and some D.C. residents, many Democrats have been vocally opposed. The move was prompted in large part by juvenile criminal activity throughout the city in recent months.
“The Administration’s actions are unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful. There is no crime emergency in the District of Columbia. Violent crime in DC reached historic 30-year lows last year, and is down another 26% so far this year,” D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb posted to X on Monday. “We are considering all of our options and will do what is necessary to protect the rights and safety of District residents.
Original article source: DC police announce major action on immigration enforcement after Trump’s crime crackdown
DC police announce major action on immigration enforcement after Trump’s crime crackdown
Washington, D.C., Police Chief Pamela Smith issued an executive order giving limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities on Thursday. The move comes after the recent federal takeover of the department and the sending of National Guard troops to curb crime and homelessness in the capital. The order says personnel cannot “make any inquiry through any database solely for the purpose of inquiring about an individual’s immigration status” The capital is considered a sanctuary city, which Mayor Muriel Bowser tried to get scrapped earlier this year. On Wednesday night alone, there were 45 arrests, and 29 of them were people in the country illegally, as numerous federal agencies are taking part in the major crackdown.
Washington, D.C., Police Chief Pamela Smith issued an executive order giving limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities on Thursday.
The move comes after the recent federal takeover of the department and the sending of National Guard troops to curb crime and homelessness in the capital.
According to the order, Metropolitan Police Department officers can now help with “sharing information about persons not in MPD custody” such as during “traffic stops” and can provide “transportation for federal immigration agency employees and detained subjects,” according to NBC 4 Washington.
‘RADICAL’ DC OFFICIALS TREATED OFFICERS ‘LIKE CRAP,’ POLICE LEADER SAYS – 7 ATTACKS THAT LED TO TRUMP TAKEOVER
However, the order says personnel cannot “make any inquiry through any database solely for the purpose of inquiring about an individual’s immigration status.”
“Members shall not make inquiries into any person’s immigration status for the purpose of determining whether they have violated the civil immigration laws or for the purpose of enforcing civil immigration laws,” the order stated.
“Members shall not arrest individuals based solely on federal immigration warrants or detainers as long as there is no additional criminal warrant or underlying offense for which the individual is subject to arrest,” the order continued.
I SUPPORT TRUMP TAKING CONTROL OF DC POLICE — THE CONSTITUTION IS ON HIS SIDE
The capital is considered a sanctuary city, which Mayor Muriel Bowser tried to get scrapped earlier this year, according to Axios.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE
“Excellent news. America’s capital city should not be a sanctuary for lawlessness,” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, tweeted.
“MAKE D.C. SAFE AGAIN,” the White House’s rapid response account posted.
The federal takeover of the police department was announced by President Donald Trump on Monday, and there’s been a heightened law enforcement presence throughout the city, including the National Guard at places like Union Station.
AG PAM BONDI MEETS WITH DC MAYOR AS TRUMP DISPATCHES NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS IN CAPITAL
On Wednesday night alone, there were 45 arrests, and 29 of them were people in the country illegally, as numerous federal agencies are taking part in the major crackdown.
While the takeover has been praised by Republicans and some D.C. residents, many Democrats have been vocally opposed. The move was prompted in large part by juvenile criminal activity throughout the city in recent months.
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“The Administration’s actions are unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful. There is no crime emergency in the District of Columbia. Violent crime in DC reached historic 30-year lows last year, and is down another 26% so far this year,” D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb posted to X on Monday. “We are considering all of our options and will do what is necessary to protect the rights and safety of District residents.
‘Saved Los Angeles by calling in National Guard’, says Donald Trump amid uproar over Washington DC takeover
US President Donald Trump has claimed that he saved Los Angeles by calling in the National Guard in June this year. Trump said that if he had allowed protests to continue without intervention, he would have had to cancel the Olympics. Trump’s comments came two days after he announced the temporary takeover of the Washington, DC, Police Department. In June, Trump had deployed some 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, arguing that they were needed to protect federal property and law enforcement agents during the protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said on Thursday that National Guard will not have the power of arrest. DC police chief has ordered an increase in cooperation between local officers and federal immigration agents. 45 arrests were made in DC, following the takeover, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
During an appearance at the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said that if he had allowed protests to continue without intervention, he would have had to cancel the Olympics.
“If I didn’t send in the troops, I don’t think you would have had Los Angeles in condition to have the Olympics,” Trump said.
National Guard deployment in Los Angeles
🚨 BREAKING: National Guard troops are now deployed in Washington, D.C. after President Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department. Troops have been spotted at the D.C. Armory as security steps up across the capital. LFG boys — streets are getting locked down. pic.twitter.com/XWGCLyxAZN — Sarcasm Scoop (@sarcasm_scoop) August 12, 2025
Trump’s DC takeover
In June, Trump had deployed some 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, arguing that they were needed to protect federal property and law enforcement agents during the protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Trump’s comments on Thursday came two days after he announced the temporary takeover of the Washington, DC, Police Department.
800 National Guard members were also activated in Washington for what Trump termed the rescue of the US capital from a surge in crime.
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National Guard will not have power arrest
On Thursday, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said that the National Guard in Washington, DC, will not have the power of arrest.
Similar to role they played when responding to protests in Los Angeles, the Guards will have the ability to temporarily detain people but it will be up to law enforcement agencies to arrest anyone, she said.
“They will not be arresting people, but they may temporarily limit the movement of an individual who has entered a restricted or secured area without permission,” Wilson told reporters during a press conference. “So this will be very similar to the L.A. mission, where we could temporarily detain someone and then turn them over.”
45 arrests in DC: Kash Patel
Earlier in the day, FBI Director Kash Patel said that 45 arrests were made in Washington, DC, following the takeover.
“The FBI and our partners made 45 arrests – 29 immigration-related, 16 tied to the violent crime surge, and 3 firearm seizures,” Patel said in a social media post.
DC Police, ICE to increase cooperation
Meanwhile, the police chief of Washington, DC, on Thursday ordered an increase in cooperation between local officers and federal immigration agents.
The Executive Order, issued Thursday and signed by Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, establishes that MPD officers may now share information with immigration agencies regarding people not in custody —such as someone involved in a traffic stop or checkpoint. MPD officers may also provide “transportation for federal immigration employees and detained subjects,” the order states.
THE TRUMP EFFECT 🇺🇸 “On Thursday, following President Trump’s determined violent crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., the city’s police department has decided to break from its existing policy as a ‘sanctuary city’ to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).” pic.twitter.com/45Xd2zwylq — The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 14, 2025
Responding to the Executive Order, Trump said it was a great step.
“That’s a very positive thing, I have heard that just happened,” Trump said. “That’s a great step. That’s a great step if they’re doing that,” he added.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/14/dc-immigration-sanctuary-city-00509731