Attorney General Pam Bondi Rescinds Illegal Immigration Protections in Washington, D.C.

Strategic Insights -

In a significant move to address rising crime in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a two-page order rescinding illegal immigration protections and naming an "emergency police commissioner" for the Metropolitan Police Department. The order, titled "Restoring Safety and Security to the District of Columbia," primarily targets sanctuary city policies, stripping power from Metro Police Chief Pamela Smith and granting authority to Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terry Cole. Bondi's order comes in response to President Donald Trump's executive order declaring a crime emergency in the nation's capital and announcing a federal takeover of the police department.

Key Takeaways:

  • Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a two-page order rescinding illegal immigration protections in Washington, D.C., specifically targeting sanctuary city policies.
  • The order names an "emergency police commissioner" for the Metropolitan Police Department, granting authority to Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terry Cole, who can issue general orders, executive orders, and written directives affecting all department members.
  • Bondi's order rescinds three recent Metro police orders related to illegal immigration, including a June 2024 general order limiting inquiries into immigration status and an October 2023 general order preventing arrests solely for federal immigration warrants.
  • President Donald Trump's executive order declaring a crime emergency in Washington, D.C. has led to a federal takeover of the police department, with federal law enforcement and the National Guard visible throughout the district.
  • A major crime crackdown resulted in the arrest of 45 people, with 29 of them identified as illegal immigrants, on Wednesday night alone.
  • Bondi's order states that residents, commuters, and tourists visiting the nation's capital have a right to feel safe and be free from violent crime.

Statistics:

  • 45 people arrested on Wednesday night as part of the major crime crackdown, with 29 identified as illegal immigrants.
  • 235,000 commuters travel to Washington, D.C. daily, and around 20 million tourists visit the nation's capital annually.
  • Bondi's order rescinds three Metro police orders related to illegal immigration, specifically a June 2024 general order and an October 2023 general order.

Sources:

  • State of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (2023) "Restoring Safety and Security to the District of Columbia"
  • White House (2023) "Executive Order on Addressing the Crime in Our Nation's Capital"
  • Metropolitan Police Department (2023) "General Order and Executive Order Rescissions"
  • Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (2023) "Emergency Police Commissioner"
  • Office of the Attorney General Pam Bondi (2023)