In a major escalation of federal control over Washington, D.C., the Trump administration on Thursday appointed the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as the city’s “emergency police commissioner,” granting him full authority over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the Associated Press reports.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the directive Thursday evening, stating that DEA Administrator Terry Cole will now assume “all powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police.” Under this order, MPD must obtain Cole’s approval before issuing any directives. It remains unclear what this move means for current Police Chief Pamela Smith, who is appointed by the mayor.
The decision followed hours after Chief Smith had instructed MPD officers to share certain information with immigration agencies—such as during traffic stops—but prohibited them from using police databases solely to determine immigration status, according to CNN. Bondi criticized Smith’s policy as a continuation of “sanctuary” practices and said she was rescinding both that directive and other MPD policies that limited federal immigration enforcement. All future MPD policies must now be approved by Commissioner Cole.
The appointment and policy reversals mark a significant step in the federal government’s law enforcement takeover of the capital. Thursday also saw a noticeable increase in the presence of federal forces across the city. National Guard troops were stationed near key landmarks, and military vehicles—including Humvees—were positioned outside Union Station, one of the city’s busiest transit hubs.
In a separate development, volunteers assisted homeless individuals in vacating long-standing encampments. While the departures were technically voluntary, advocates say they came amid mounting pressure from the administration. Activists expect that law enforcement will soon begin dismantling any remaining camps by force in the coming days.