Washington, D.C.’s police department has reversed part of its long-standing “sanctuary city” policy and will now cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The decision follows President Donald Trump’s sweeping federal takeover of the city’s crime fight.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced Thursday that officers may now assist federal immigration authorities in certain situations.
The move is a dramatic shift in a city that for years restricted cooperation with ICE.
A press release signed by Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, shared on X by NBC 4’s Mark Segraves, reads:
“Effective immediately, members may assist federal immigration enforcement agencies with the following: Sharing information about persons not in MPD custody (e.g., during traffic stops).
“Providing transportation for federal immigration agency employees and detained subjects.”
The statement also made clear there are still limits, noting that officers cannot arrest individuals based solely on immigration warrants or detainers without additional criminal charges, and they cannot give ICE release dates, addresses, personal data, or case information for people already in MPD custody.
BREAKING: DC Police Chief issues new executive orders allowing police to notify ICE about subjects not in custody, including during traffic stops and to help ICE in the transportation of detained suspects. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/wXfYlfp6Yv
— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) August 14, 2025
Sanctuary jurisdictions like Boston, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, and San Diego have traditionally resisted federal immigration enforcement by restricting such cooperation.
Trump has long blasted these policies.
In April, he wrote on social media:
“No more Sanctuary Cities!
“They protect the Criminals, not the Victims.
“They are disgracing our Country, and are being mocked all over the World.
“Working on papers to withhold all Federal Funding for any City or State that allows these Death Traps to exist!!!”
According to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration has pressed local officials nationwide to hold suspects long enough to transfer them into federal custody, even without judicial warrants.
On April 28, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to publish a list of jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration law, notify them of noncompliance, and warn that they could lose federal funding if they failed to comply.
Trump has also been clear about his views on the capital’s governance.
In February, he called for a full federal takeover of Washington, D.C., to restore law and order.
“I think that we should govern the District of Columbia,” Trump said at the time.
“I think that we should run it strong, run it with law and order, make it absolutely flawless.
“And I think we should take over Washington, D.C. We could save people from getting killed.
“They have a great police department there.
“Somehow they’re not utilized properly.
“We should govern D.C.
“The federal government should take over the governance of D.C. and run it really, really properly.”
The MPD’s reversal comes just days into Trump’s federalization of the D.C. police force and deployment of 800 National Guard troops.
The aggressive move is already altering the city’s approach to crime and immigration enforcement.
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.