DC Attorney General Challenges New Immigration Policies
The Attorney General of Washington, DC, has stated that city officials are “not legally required” to follow executive orders that terminate sanctuary policies for undocumented immigrants.
On Thursday, Attorney General Pam Bondy criticized the existing policies in the District of Columbia, which are intended to protect undocumented individuals and reinforce federal law enforcement’s presence in local matters. Later that evening, Brian Schwarb, the Democratic Attorney General of DC, submitted a letter urging Police Chief Pamela Smith to disregard Bondy’s order.
In his letter, Schwarb expressed his belief that Bondy’s directive lacks legal standing, insisting that “there is no legal obligation to follow it.” He emphasized that, as the mayor’s appointee confirmed by the council, Smith is the legitimate police chief of DC and that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) should adhere to her orders rather than those issued by non-appointed staff.
Earlier that day, Smith had circulated a memo designed to enhance cooperation between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This memo permitted the MPD to inform ICE agents about individuals not in their custody, share relevant information about those who aren’t detained, and even provide transportation for federal immigration personnel and detained individuals.
Tricia McLaughlin, the Director of Homeland Security, remarked that the memo represents a “critical first step” toward public safety, expressing hope for closer collaboration with DC authorities. However, it’s worth noting that Smith’s order isn’t a complete endorsement of immigration enforcement; MPD members are still barred from inquiring about immigration status solely for that purpose.
Hours later, Bondy issued another order to take control of the MPD, which rescinded several of Smith’s directives that limited ICE collaboration and included her memo. This prompted a swift response from Schwarb.
As President Trump continues to assert federal influence over urban areas, discussions are heating up about the necessity of such actions as crime rates in the capital remain a concern. Numerous National Guard troops and federal law enforcement agents have been deployed to maintain order.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the federal intervention has yielded results, citing that a joint operation between the MPD and federal authorities recently resulted in 45 arrests, including 29 undocumented immigrants.
