Border Control Changes in Washington, D.C.
Tom Homan, a prominent figure in border enforcement, stated on Wednesday that President Trump’s federal oversight of Washington, D.C. eliminates the city’s ability to maintain its sanctuary status.
During an appearance on “The Story with Martha McCallum,” Homan mentioned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are collaborating closely with federal authorities, taking over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to arrest and deport criminal illegal immigrants in the city. He assured that individuals who have committed crimes will not benefit from sanctuary protections.
“I don’t believe D.C. will maintain its sanctuary city status with federal oversight. We’re working alongside the police, and if we encounter illegal aliens involved in crime, they will be turned over to ICE,” Homan explained.
The administration, under the guidance of Attorney General Pam Bondi, is addressing violent crime in the capital by issuing orders to the MPD and deploying the National Guard. On the initial night of Trump’s crackdown, approximately 850 law enforcement officers detained 23 individuals for serious offenses like murder, firearm violations, and drug-related crimes, as stated by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
On one particular Tuesday night, law enforcement made 43 arrests while 30 National Guard troops and 750 uniformed officers were on duty. Reports suggest that the National Guard presence in D.C. will expand further.
Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicates that MPD crime statistics have dropped by 26%, yet violent crime has only seen a 10% decrease since 2024. Notably, this data does not account for rising felony assault cases, which could suggest that the decline in violent crimes may not be as substantial as it appears.
In May, the MPD initiated an investigation into allegations that police commanders could have manipulated crime data to create the impression of significant crime reductions.
Since Trump’s presidency began, illegal border crossings have reportedly hit record lows. Over 300,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested since he took office for a second term. The number of individuals in ICE custody climbed from 39,000 in January to more than 60,000 by August.
