Washington, D.C., Police Chief Pamela Smith has authorized her officers to cooperate directly with federal immigration agencies, according to NBC Washington reporter Mark Segraves, in a move that comes as part of President Donald Trump’s federal crime crackdown in the nation’s capital.
Executive Order Opens Door to Federal Cooperation
In an executive order issued Thursday morning, Smith directed the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The order allows MPD officers to share information on individuals not in custody, assist during traffic stops, transport federal immigration agents, and transfer detainees to federal facilities.
This policy shift mirrors measures in states like Florida, where local police routinely coordinate with ICE to speed deportation proceedings.
Federal Agents Already Operating in D.C.
ICE confirmed its Homeland Security Investigations agents were on the ground Wednesday evening, conducting operations alongside MPD. “Together, we’ll bring the rule of law back to our nation’s treasured capital city,” ICE posted on X.
CBP reported deploying 30 personnel to D.C., including Border Patrol agents, Air and Marine Operations agents, and Office of Field Operations officers. Senior Advisor Ron Vitiello told Newsmax the agency was “happy to be participating.”
Community Reaction and Street Confrontations
The expanded enforcement drew heated reactions from some residents, who surrounded local and federal officers during downtown traffic stops Wednesday night, hurling insults at law enforcement.
Part of Trump’s Federalization of D.C. Police
This cooperation with ICE and CBP follows Trump’s Monday order temporarily federalizing MPD for 30 days. The operation includes roughly 700 federal law enforcement personnel, 30 National Guard soldiers, and 750 MPD officers, with support from the FBI, ATF, DEA, CBP, and U.S. Park Police.
Since Aug. 7, more than 100 people have been arrested in Washington, D.C., as part of the Trump administration’s push to restore law and order.
Original source: https://x.com/SegravesNBC4/status/1955982188551327974
