Washington, Aug 15 (AP) The nation's capital is escalating its legal battle against President Donald Trump's intervention in its police department, filing a lawsuit on Friday in response to the sudden installment of a federal official as the department's emergency head. This move effectively grants the official all the powers of a police chief.
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb is contesting Trump's actions, arguing that they exceed the bounds of presidential authority. Schwalb seeks a judicial ruling affirming that control of the police department rests with the district.
"The administration's actions blatantly undermine the dignity and autonomy of the 700,000 Americans residing in DC. This represents the most severe threat to Home Rule the District has ever encountered, and we are determined to challenge it," Schwalb stated.
The lawsuit follows an announcement by Trump Attorney General Pam Bondi, who declared late Thursday that Drug Enforcement Administration head Terry Cole would now exercise the “powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police.” The Metropolitan Police Department must now seek Cole's approval before issuing any orders, leaving the fate of the city's current police chief, Pamela Smith, uncertain amid the federal takeover.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser promptly criticized the move on social media, asserting that "no statute grants federal personnel authority over the District." Schwalb emphasized in a memo to Smith that “MPD officers should adhere to your directives, not those of any official not appointed by the Mayor,” setting the stage for a legal confrontation between the Democrat-majority district and the Trump administration.
Bondi’s directive followed Smith's earlier order for MPD officers to share immigration-related information with federal agencies regarding individuals not in custody but involved in interactions like traffic stops. The Justice Department argued that Bondi opposed the police chief's order because it continued to enforce “sanctuary policies,” which typically restrict local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
Rescinding this directive along with other MPD policies that limit immigration inquiries and prohibit arrests based solely on federal immigration warrants, Bondi stated all future directives must now receive Cole’s approval.
This federal intervention demonstrates Trump's ongoing attempts to stretch legal boundaries to enforce his agenda, using emergency powers to project a tough-on-crime stance and accelerate deportations.
This step represents a historic imposition of federal authority over a local government, despite the fact that Washington, despite periods of elevated violence and visible homelessness, maintains a lower homicide rate compared to several other U.S. cities and doesn’t face a complete societal collapse as portrayed by the administration.
Increased federal presence is increasingly noticeable throughout the capital, leaving residents uneasy. National Guard troops are now guarding iconic sites, and Humvees have secured areas near the main train station. Volunteers are assisting the homeless in vacating established encampments, although their destinations remain uncertain.
During a Thursday game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies, Department of Homeland Security officials patrolled Nationals Park. Meanwhile, DEA agents monitored The Wharf, a well-known nightlife area, and Secret Service officers operated in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood.
Mayor Bowser, who is navigating between the Republican-led White House and her predominantly Democratic city, was absent due to a family obligation in Martha's Vineyard but was expected to return the following day, her office confirmed.
The heightened visibility of federal forces, particularly in well-trafficked areas, has been unsettling for residents. Although Trump can assume control over federal law enforcement for 30 days before Congress reviews his actions, he has indicated plans to reassess the situation as the deadline nears.
Checkpoints have been established in some of DC’s vibrant nightlife districts, provoking protests. Troops are stationed outside Union Station as 800 National Guard members activated by Trump engage in assignments that include monument protection, community safety patrols, and beautification projects, according to the Pentagon.
Troops will assist law enforcement in roles such as traffic management and crowd control, stated National Guard Major Micah Maxwell. To prepare for these duties, members have undergone training in de-escalation techniques and crowd management equipment.
National Guard presence in DC is not unusual, typically seen during large public gatherings such as the annual July 4th celebrations and used in the past for crowd control around Metro stations. (AP) GSP
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
