DC Attorney General Takes Action Against Police Takeover
Recently, a judge expressed disapproval regarding the decision to appoint Drug Enforcement Director Terry Cole to take charge of the Washington, D.C. police department. This came after the proposal was made by the federal government.
Judge Ana Reyes has given attorneys from both the Department of Justice and D.C. government a deadline to reach an agreement limiting Cole’s authority. She also mentioned that broader issues surrounding President Donald Trump’s significant executive order, which declared a criminal emergency in the capital, would be discussed in an upcoming court hearing.
As it stands, the Trump administration could end up controlling local police, either through an agreement with the D.C. government or via a court order.
D.C. Officials Intensify Opposition to Trump’s Police Control
Reyes held an emergency hearing following an appeal from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwarb, who is working to block Trump’s move to take over local law enforcement. Schwarb argued that this initiative was unconstitutional and infringed on the Home Rule Act, a federal statute that allows D.C. residents to self-govern.
The hearing, albeit a minor setback for the Trump administration, indicated that Cole must defer to Mayor Muriel Bowser for further directives regarding police operations.
Schwarb took the hearing as a positive development, stating, “It’s clear that important issues surrounding control are being addressed,” and highlighted that the police chief appointed by the mayor remains in charge.
Yet, the law suggests that Bowser’s influence over Cole could be significant, potentially allowing the Trump administration’s policing priorities, especially regarding immigration and homelessness, to persist for at least the next month.
Representing the government, Attorney General Yaakov Ross mentioned that the president retains substantial discretion in defining what actions are necessary.
Both Bowser and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton attended the hearing, where a multitude gathered outside to protest the federal takeover, including members of the “Free DC” movement and several National Guardsmen.
“What we know is D.C. residents are concerned about an influx of federal officials,” Bowser remarked to reporters. “The Chief’s directive this week was to utilize the deployed forces strategically.”
DEA Chief Reports National Interest in Assisting D.C.
During the hearing, Reyes pointed out the historical significance of the case, noting that she was potentially the first judge to assess the president’s authority under the Home Rule Act in this context.
The judge emphasized that while Trump claimed there’s a criminal emergency, a temporary resolution is still required. “People need clarity on who they are taking orders from and what’s happening,” Reyes noted, seeking a practical solution.
On Friday, she moderated carefully as she discussed the scope of the law, suggesting it might not be as narrow or broad as either party presumed.
Schwarb’s lawsuit challenges Trump’s executive order to temporarily federalize D.C.’s law enforcement, asserting that the initiative could lead to “operational chaos.” He urged the court to block these federal orders, stating such an acquisition contradicts the district’s governance rights.
Attorney General Actions Affect Local Police Leadership and Regulations
Critics have condemned Trump’s executive action, asserting it does not reflect any actual emergency in D.C., noting a decrease in violent crime—though this point remains debated.
The Attorney General, previously part of the Obama administration, classified Trump’s order as part of a troubling pattern involving “attacks on the rule of law.” Eisen described Trump’s declaration as a “fake state of emergency,” claiming there is no real need to involve the Metropolitan Police Department or Federal Forces.
