Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent order to revoke illegal immigration protections in Washington, D.C., signifies a dramatic shift in law enforcement policy within the capital. Issued on Thursday, the directive entitled “Restoring Safety and Security to the District of Columbia” directly targets sanctuary city measures. This move showcases Bondi’s commitment to altering how Metropolitan Police engage with illegal immigrants.
Bondi’s order strips authority from Metro Police Chief Pamela Smith, placing Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terry Cole in charge as the “emergency police commissioner.” This appointment grants Cole extensive powers, including the ability to issue general and executive orders that all department personnel must follow. Under Cole’s leadership, existing policies limiting police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement have been rescinded. As Bondi noted, the conflicting provisions in previous Metro Police orders are now nullified, emphasizing a decisive shift in policy.
The timing of Bondi’s directive aligns closely with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order declaring a crime emergency in D.C. Since that announcement, federal law enforcement presence has surged in the capital. The recent crackdown saw 45 arrests in just one night, including 29 illegal immigrants, underscoring the urgency of the measure.
Critics may raise concerns about the implications of increasing police powers, but Bondi assures that this change addresses the essential right of residents and visitors to feel safe. She articulates, “Residents of the District of Columbia… have a right to feel safe and to be free from the scourge of violent crime.” Bondi’s order reflects her commitment to prioritizing public safety and restoring order within a city that has been grappling with escalating violence.
This series of actions illustrates a significant realignment of authority and policy in response to perceived failures in local governance. The emphasis on law enforcement collaboration with federal agencies marks a clear departure from previous approaches and highlights the administration’s focus on tackling crime head-on. As the dynamics in Washington shift, the implications of Bondi’s order will unfold in the weeks to come.
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