Washington, D.C., has sued the federal government for taking over police forces after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as the “emergency police chief” in the area.
The city’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb wrote on X that the U.S. government illegally announced the takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and “abuses its temporary, limited authority under the law.”
The lawsuit requires the judge to exclude orders in Bundy’s orders and prevent the DEA head from “serving any commander in the MPD”.
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would use federal law enforcement to combat crime in Washington.
He has since sent hundreds of National Guard members and other federal agents to clean up homeless camps, run checkpoints or others to strengthen law enforcement, citing a 1970s law known as the Family Rules Act, which allowed him to use the MPD for “federal purposes” to show that he “may be necessary and appropriate.”
Bondi wrote late Thursday that DEA administrator Terry Cole will assume “all powers and responsibilities” of local police chief Pamela Smith. Under the order, the Chief “must obtain the approval of Commissioner Cole before any further directives are issued to the MPD”.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Schwalb retreated almost immediately, calling the order “illegal” and told Smith that she didn’t have to follow it.
In the past few days, armored vehicles have lined up near monuments and other tourist attractions, and drivers have stopped in the popular nightlife corridor. In total, 800 soldiers will be deployed to the area, as well as 500 federal law enforcement officers, such as the FBI, officials said.
Democrat Bowser said there was no emergency and Trump’s “unnecessary and unprecedented” move was “an authoritarian push.”
Bondy said Thursday when announcing his appointment as Cole on Fox News that federal officials have arrested 156 people and seized 27 shots this week.
Trump said crimes in Washington, D.C. have worsened, but BBC verification analysis shows that trends are different.
According to figures released by DC police, violent crime peaked in 2023 and reached a 30-year low in 2024.
Preliminary data for 2025 show that they are continuing to decline.
According to the police department, violent crimes have generally fallen by 26% this year and robbery has fallen by 28% compared to the same point in 2024.
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
