DEA Chief Appointed DC Emergency Police Commissioner, City Leaders Push Back

The Trump administration has escalated its federal law enforcement takeover of Washington, D.C., appointing Drug Enforcement Administration chief Terry Cole as the city’s “emergency police commissioner” with full powers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) chief.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the move Thursday, stating that MPD must now receive Cole’s approval before issuing any orders. The decision creates a direct conflict with D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith and Mayor Muriel Bowser, both of whom insist the appointment is unlawful.

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb said in a memo that MPD officers should “continue to follow your orders and not the orders of any official not appointed by the Mayor.” Bowser added there is “no statute that conveys the District’s personnel authority to a federal official.”

Immigration Enforcement at the Center of the Clash

Bondi’s order came hours after Chief Smith instructed officers to share information with immigration agencies regarding non-custodial individuals, including those stopped at traffic checkpoints. Bondi rescinded Smith’s directive, citing “sanctuary policies,” and removed MPD limits on questioning immigration status or making arrests based solely on federal warrants.

The changes are part of a broader federal push to align local policing with Trump’s national immigration and security agenda.

A Sweeping Assertion of Federal Authority

The appointment marks one of the most significant federal assertions over a local government in recent history. While the administration has cited crime and homelessness as justification, D.C.’s homicide rate remains lower than several major U.S. cities.

On Thursday, federal forces became highly visible across the city. National Guard troops took positions outside Union Station and landmarks, DHS police patrolled Nationals Park, DEA agents monitored nightlife areas, and Secret Service officers were active in residential neighborhoods.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said the 800 Guard members deployed will remain “until law and order has been restored,” performing monument security, traffic control, and “beautification efforts.”

Increased Arrests and Homeless Encampment Sweeps

The White House reported 45 arrests Wednesday night, including 29 for immigration violations. Other charges included drug offenses, weapons possession, and assault on a federal officer.

Meanwhile, volunteers and city workers assisted homeless residents in dismantling long-standing encampments, with some belongings placed in garbage trucks. While most departures were voluntary, advocates expect more forced removals in the coming days.

Signs posted in Washington Circle warn of a “general cleanup” beginning Monday, signaling further sweeps.

Legal Showdown Looms

With city officials refusing to recognize Cole’s authority, a court battle appears inevitable. Trump has the power to control federal law enforcement in D.C. for 30 days without congressional review, but has indicated he may extend the takeover.

For now, the capital remains under a heightened security presence—caught between federal orders, local resistance, and an uncertain legal future.

SOURCE: AP News