The United States Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a directive on Thursday, appointing Terry Cole, the Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as the “Emergency Commissioner” for Washington, to fully take over the capital’s policing as President Trump declared a state of public safety emergency.
According to the directive, Cole will assume “all powers and duties of the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of the District of Columbia” during the period of public safety emergency in Washington announced by Trump.
The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. and its current Chief and Commanders will now require approval from Cole before issuing any orders. This move is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to take control of policing in Washington and strengthen law enforcement and public safety.
Justice Department spokesperson Chad Gilmartin stated on social media platform X that the directive also rescinded administrative orders issued by the MPD on Thursday.
Gilmartin mentioned that the order “enforced sanctuary policies” and “banned arrests solely based on federal immigration warrants.” This order was issued by the current MPD Chief Pamela Smith and went into effect on Thursday.
Bondi also revoked orders restricting inquiries into immigration status. In the directive, Bondi required the MPD to “fully enforce” provisions in the D.C. Code that prohibit unlawful demonstrations, including prohibiting gatherings that block streets, building entrances, and park pathways.
Following these developments, Washington D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson expressed her views on social media platform X, stating that the Attorney General does not have the authority to overturn the law.
In response to Bondi’s directive, Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb stated on Thursday evening that the order was “illegal” and asserted that the Metropolitan Police Department of the district should not comply.
In a memorandum to the current MPD Chief Smith, Schwalb wrote, “MPD members must continue to follow your orders, not those of any official appointed outside of the Mayor’s authority.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser posted on social media, stating, “No regulation gives federal officials the power to manage personnel in the District.”
President Trump recently ordered an increase in law enforcement presence in Washington to combat violent crime, and on Wednesday, he mentioned that the federal control over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington should be extended beyond 30 days.
“We will seek an extension—a long-term extension,” Trump told reporters.
White House officials indicated that Trump will utilize the “full weight of the government” to enhance public safety in the capital, including deploying over 400 National Guard members around the city starting on Wednesday and implementing “24/7 patrols” from that day forward.
According to information provided by the Department of Defense, National Guard members will be responsible for ensuring the safety of monuments and government buildings, community patrols, and urban maintenance tasks, without carrying weapons.
On Thursday, National Guard members, along with federal law enforcement officials from the DEA, Secret Service, and Department of Homeland Security, conducted patrols in various landmarks, major transportation hubs, and nightlife areas in Washington.
As per data from the White House, a total of 45 individuals were arrested on Wednesday night, with 29 arrests related to unlawful residency, and the others involving drug distribution or possession, carrying concealed weapons, and assaulting federal law enforcement officials, among other offenses.
In certain areas, joint federal and local law enforcement established checkpoints, leading to protests by some residents. However, Department of Defense spokesperson Kingsley Wilson stated that the National Guard will “remain posted until the President determines that law and order have been restored in the capital,” describing them as “guardians of our great nation’s capital.”
The homeless community is also being impacted. Volunteers and municipal staff are assisting some homeless individuals in relocating from long-term encampments. Notices have been posted by the city at locations still containing tents, announcing a “comprehensive cleanup” starting at 10 a.m. next Monday.
(This article was partially based on related reports from English Epoch Times.)