DC Police Chief Enhances ICE Cooperation Under Trump's Federal Mandate
DC Police Chief Pamela Smith ordered enhanced cooperation with federal immigration agencies, including ICE, under President Trump's federal takeover, increasing local law enforcement's role.
Overview
- DC Police Chief Pamela Smith ordered enhanced cooperation with federal immigration agencies, including ICE. This allows officers to share information about individuals not in custody.
- The directive permits MPD officers to provide transportation assistance for immigration employees and detained subjects, significantly increasing their involvement in federal immigration efforts.
- The enhanced cooperation is part of President Trump's broader federal takeover. This initiative also deployed National Guard to protect Washington landmarks and aid community safety.
- The White House reported 45 arrests, including 29 individuals living illegally, following the enhanced cooperation. National Guard members protected federal assets and deterred crime.
- President Trump invoked Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act to control MPD. He praised the increased ICE cooperation as a "great step" despite low city crime rates.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the federal administration's actions in D.C. as an aggressive "takeover" and "sweeping assertion of authority," questioning its legality and necessity. They emphasize local leaders' pushback and the disruptive impact on residents, including the homeless, while refuting the administration's portrayal of a public safety crisis.
"The move amounts to a sweeping reversal of "sanctuary" policies in the nation's capital, allowing the Metropolitan Police Department, for the time being, to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement as President Trump asserts more control over the District of Columbia, citing concerns about crime and disorder."
CBS News"The police takeover is the latest move by President Donald 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 U.S. illegally."
NPR"The changes, which raise collaboration between the two forces in notable ways, are effective immediately."
Chicago Tribune"The changes, which raise collaboration between the two forces in notable ways, are effective immediately."
Associated Press"This is a departure from the police department's previous policy and will allow immigrants who have not been detained or charged with a crime to be reported to ICE for possible arrest and deportation."
NBC NewsArticles (11)
Center (5)
FAQ
The order permits MPD officers to share information about individuals not in custody during activities like traffic stops and to provide transportation assistance for federal immigration agency employees and detained subjects. However, it prohibits officers from inquiring about immigration status solely for immigration law enforcement purposes or arresting individuals based only on federal immigration detainers without an additional criminal warrant or underlying offense.
The federal takeover, authorized under Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act, was part of President Trump's broader initiative to crack down on crime and illegal immigration in the capital, including deploying the National Guard to protect landmarks and enhance community safety. Trump praised the increased cooperation with ICE as a positive step despite the city's generally low crime rates.
The order prohibits officers from making immigration status inquiries solely for civil immigration law enforcement without an underlying criminal warrant. Officers are also barred from arresting individuals solely based on federal immigration warrants or detainers if no additional criminal offense is present.
Yes, a subsequent directive by officials including AG Bondi rescinded some of Chief Smith's guidance that allowed police to transport ICE agents and detainees and softened restrictions on arrests based on administrative immigration warrants without a criminal nexus, enabling more federal immigration enforcement cooperation.
The city of Washington DC is considered a sanctuary city, and Mayor Muriel Bowser had attempted to block increased ICE cooperation earlier in the year. However, some national conservative figures, such as Senator Mike Lee, praised the move as a necessary crackdown on lawlessness.
History
- 17d
7 articles