Trump administration tightens control over DC police

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration, stepping up its crackdown on policing in the nation's capital, on Thursday named the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration to be Washington's "emergency police commissioner" with all the powers of the police chief — a significant move that increases national control over the city as part of the federal government's law-enforcement takeover.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a directive issued on Thursday evening that DEA boss Terry Cole will assume "powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police". The Metropolitan Police Department "must receive approval from Commissioner Cole" before issuing any orders, Bondi said.

It was not immediately clear where the move left Pamela Smith, the city's current police chief, who works for the mayor.

The attorney general's directive comes hours after Smith directed MPD officers to share information with immigration agencies regarding people not in custody, such as someone involved in a traffic stop or checkpoint. The Justice Department said Bondi disagreed with the police chief's directive because it allowed for continued enforcement of "sanctuary policies".

Bondi said she was rescinding that order as well as other MPD policies limiting inquiries into immigration status and preventing arrests based solely on federal immigration warrants. All new directives must now receive approval from Cole, the attorney general said.

The late-night announcement came after an eventful day in the ongoing federal operation. Smith's earlier directive effectively brought together Trump's moves on city law enforcement and his nationwide efforts to curb immigration, and Trump had praised it in the hours before Bondi's announcement.

A population already tense from days of ramp-up began seeing more significant shows of force across the city on Thursday. National Guard troops watched over some of the world's most renowned landmarks and Humvees took position in front of the busy main train station.

Volunteers helped homeless people leave long-standing encampments — to where, exactly, was often unclear. Department of Homeland Security police stood outside Nationals Park.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents patrolled The Wharf, a popular nightlife area, while Secret Service officers patrolled the Foggy Bottom neighborhood.

The visibility of federal forces around the city, including in many high-traffic areas, was striking to residents going about their lives.

Trump has the power to take over federal law enforcement for 30 days before Congress must review his actions, though he has said he'll reevaluate as that deadline approaches.

Agencies via Xinhua