Changes to DC Policing Policies on Immigration
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the withdrawal of various DC policing policies related to immigration, stating that the “D.C. Sanctuary Policy no longer applies.”
During a series of actions on Thursday, Bondi’s directives aimed to improve collaboration between the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and federal authorities concerning immigration matters. However, she prohibited inquiries or arrests based solely on an individual’s immigration status.
In addition to this policy change, Bondi has rescinded two previous orders. These orders had prevented MPD officers from arresting immigrants who didn’t have other criminal warrants and from inquiring about someone’s immigration status solely for the purpose of enforcing the Civil Immigration Act.
Bondi urged DC police to “fully enforce” laws against demonstrations that obstruct streets or entrances to both public and private buildings, as well as to prevent illegal activities in parks.
Quickly questioning the legality of Bondi’s actions, DC officials raised concerns about whether she had the authority to make these changes. Notably, Drug Enforcement Administration manager Terry Cole was appointed as Washington’s “Emergency Police Chief” amid these shifts.
It remains uncertain whether Bondi possesses such authority. The DC Attorney General’s office has indicated plans for a swift lawsuit in response to this directive, raising questions among DC leaders.
In a letter to DC Police Chief Pamela Smith, DC Attorney General Brian Schwarb contended that the Home Rules Act, which allows for federal oversight of district police, does not grant the federal government the power to alter the command structure directly.
“In my opinion, the Bondi Order is illegal and you are not legally required to follow it,” he stated.
Sharing this sentiment, Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized that while DC must assist federal law enforcement, “there is no law to communicate district personnel authority to federal officials.”
DC Councillor Christina Henderson also argued that Bondi overstepped her authority in attempting to revoke established DC policies.
“To my knowledge, the Attorney General has no power to revoke the law,” she remarked.
