Trump Threatens Federal Control Over D.C. Police in Immigration Controversy

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:50:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent statement, President Trump has warned of re-federalizing Washington D.C.'s police force amidst a clash over immigration enforcement policies with Mayor Muriel Bowser. This development highlights ongoing tensions surrounding federal intervention in local governance.

President Trump threatened to federalize Washington D.C.'s police force again, citing Mayor Bowser's refusal to cooperate with Immigration enforcement. Bowser's order restricts cooperation, stating the local police won't engage in immigration enforcement. Despite claims of improved safety during Trump's previous intervention, data suggests crime was already decreasing before it began. The federal government still maintains significant control over D.C.'s local affairs due to existing laws. A House Committee is also considering further restrictions on D.C.'s governance, indicating an ongoing power struggle.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has issued a warning to once again consider federalizing Washington D.C.'s police force, reacting to Mayor Muriel Bowser's decision to limit local cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite evidence that crime rates were declining prior to federal interventions, Trump asserts that these actions have been effective in improving public safety.

Mayor Bowser stated that immigration enforcement isn't the responsibility of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). She indicated the city would collaborate with several other federal agencies, like the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration, but notably excluded ICE from these partnerships.

Trump's criticism emphasizes a significant disagreement on law enforcement strategies, suggesting increased crime may follow if local police do not assist federal immigration authorities. He stated, 'If they continue to refuse to work with us, I will call a National Emergency, and Federalize, if necessary.' The White House did not clarify if any action would be taken on this threat, nor if there was consideration of renewing his prior federal control order, which just expired last week.

Analysis from the Associated Press indicates that over 40% of arrests during Trump's earlier emergency order were related to immigration violations, underscoring the tension between federal objectives regarding immigration enforcement and local governance.

This political landscape is further complicated by new proposals in the House that aim to tighten local judicial authority and alter juvenile sentencing protocols, which have raised concerns among residents and local leaders about diminishing D.C.’s home rule, an autonomy established in 1973.