Trump Police Takeover Washington DC Sparks Legal Battle, Immigration Crackdown, and Homeless Camp Sweepse
The nation’s capital went to court Friday to block President Donald Trump’s takeover of its police department, mere hours after his administration escalated its intervention by naming a federal official as the department’s emergency head.
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith warned in a sworn court statement that Trump’s directive would upend the department’s command structure and destabilize public safety.
“In my nearly three decades in law enforcement, I have never seen a single government action that would cause a greater threat to law and order than this dangerous directive,” Smith said in her filing.
The legal battle, unfolding in a mostly Democratic city under the control of a Republican president, underscores a deepening crisis over who governs the capital’s law enforcement, immigration policy, and daily life for millions in the metro area.
DC Attorney General: Takeover Threatens “Operational Havoc”
District Attorney General Brian Schwalb’s lawsuit seeks to reverse the order that placed DEA chief Terry Cole in command of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Schwalb argues the takeover is illegal, exceeds presidential authority, and would “sow chaos” in daily police operations.
“The administration’s unlawful actions are an affront to the dignity and autonomy of the 700,000 Americans who call D.C. home,” Schwalb said.
The Justice Department declined to comment on the lawsuit, and the White House offered no immediate response. A hearing for Schwalb’s request for a temporary restraining order was scheduled Friday before U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, a Biden appointee.
Immigration Enforcement at the Heart of the Dispute
The federal takeover came after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stripped MPD of its “sanctuary” protections, ordering full cooperation with immigration enforcement. Bondi rescinded policies that limited inquiries into immigration status and prohibited arrests based solely on federal immigration warrants.
Smith had earlier directed officers to share immigration information with federal agencies for individuals not in custody, such as those stopped in traffic, but her order still allowed for sanctuary policies. Bondi said the directive was insufficient.
All new MPD directives must now receive Cole’s approval, Bondi declared. Schwalb told MPD officers to ignore orders from any federal official not appointed by the mayor.
Mayor Bowser Pushes Back
Mayor Muriel Bowser responded defiantly on social media:
“There is no statute that conveys the District’s personnel authority to a federal official.”
Immigrant rights advocates scrambled to advise vulnerable residents. Anusce Sanai of the nonprofit Ayuda warned of increased police presence in immigrant neighborhoods and urged caution:
“Even with the most anti-immigrant administration, we would always tell our clients that they must call the police… But now we have to be very careful on what we advise.”
Federal Show of Force Across DC
By Thursday night, the ramp-up in enforcement was visible citywide. National Guard troops stood watch over landmarks, Humvees blocked Union Station, and DEA agents patrolled nightlife areas like The Wharf. Secret Service officers were spotted in Foggy Bottom, and DHS police monitored Nationals Park during a home game.
A White House official said 20 federal law enforcement teams with 1,750 personnel made 33 arrests Thursday night — 15 migrants without legal status, along with suspects wanted for murder, rape, and DUI.
At least 100 protesters gathered outside police headquarters Friday, chanting “Protect home rule!” and waving “Resist!” signs.
Homeless Encampment Sweeps Under Trump’s “Safe and Beautiful” Task Force
Trump’s “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force” has begun clearing homeless encampments, with both federal and local police participating. Residents described fear and disruption as their belongings were seized and sites dismantled.
Ms. Jay, a homeless resident, said she preemptively packed her tent and belongings when she heard officers were on the way:
“Last night was so scary… I don’t want to be the one to wait until the last moment and then have to rush out.”
George, 67, watched city workers load his mattress into a garbage truck. Jesse Wall, 43, questioned the motive:
“What are you trying to prove here? That you’re a bully?”
Advocates Condemn the Sweeps
Wayne Turnage, DC’s deputy mayor, acknowledged that federal authorities would dismantle the camps if the city didn’t — but said the district aimed to do it more humanely.
Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Homelessness Law Center said people were told to either leave or face detention at 62 identified sites.
Wesley Thomas, a formerly homeless resident now working with Miriam’s Kitchen, said the displaced include veterans, professionals, and people from all walks of life:
“Poor people come in all races, ethnicities and colors.”
A Rare and Sweeping Federal Overreach
The Home Rule Act of 1973 grants DC limited self-governance but allows presidents to take control of the police for up to 30 days without congressional approval. Trump is the first president to invoke that authority, signaling he may seek to extend it.
While DC has faced challenges with crime and homelessness, its homicide rate is lower than several other major U.S. cities — contradicting Trump’s portrayal of a public safety crisis.
The outcome of this legal battle could redefine the balance of power between the federal government and the capital’s elected leadership — and set a precedent for how presidents wield emergency authority over local police in the future.
