Summary
The Trump administration has appointed the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as the "emergency police commissioner" of Washington, D.C., giving him all the powers of the local police chief. This move allows the federal government to exert more control over the city's police force and overturn certain local policies related to immigration enforcement. The change follows a directive from the city's police chief that was in line with Trump's broader national immigration and crime policies.
Key Facts
- The Trump administration appointed DEA chief Terry Cole as the "emergency police commissioner" of Washington, D.C.
- This appointment gave Cole all the powers and duties of the city's police chief.
- Washington's current police chief, Pamela Smith, had directed officers to share information with immigration agencies; the Attorney General disagreed with this.
- The federal directive stopped certain local policies, such as limiting inquiries into immigration status and avoiding arrests based on federal immigration warrants.
- All new police directives in D.C. must now be approved by Terry Cole.
- National Guard troops increased their presence around significant landmarks in D.C.
- D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was out of town during the announcement but planned to return the next day.
- The move is part of Trump's efforts to increase federal control over local law enforcement and immigration issues.
