Washington, D.C. Police Coordination with ICE Enhanced Amid Crime Crackdown
In a significant crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., local police have been directed to strengthen their collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A memo issued by Police Commissioner Pamela Smith on Thursday revealed that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is now permitted to notify ICE agents during instances when they do not have custody, including during traffic stops. The directive also allows MPD members to share information about individuals not in their custody and to assist in transporting federal immigration staff and detained individuals.
This memo comes as part of a federal initiative to take control of law enforcement in the capital, a response to rising concerns about crime, notably following a violent incident involving a former employee of Doge, referred to as “big balls.”
“Today marks a turning point for D.C., and we’re set on reclaiming our capital,” the president stated on Monday. “We’re going to restore order. I am invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to put the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control.”
Smith’s order diverges from the typical approach in Washington, known for its sanctuary city stance that previously discouraged cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.
Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the memo.
However, Tom Homan, who heads the deportation efforts under the Trump administration, expressed that this change is overdue. He said, “In the past, our capital should have exemplified how law enforcement collaborates with other agencies to remove public safety threats stemming from illegal immigration.”
Homan added, “Creating a safer environment for families should always be our shared objective. I commend President Trump for prioritizing safety in D.C. once more.”
In light of these developments, Trump has deployed hundreds of National Guard members to strengthen order in the capital, which has been grappling with notably high crime rates.
