Trump vows national emergency in Washington, D.C. over ICE dispute

U.S. President DonaldTrumpsaid on Monday he would call anationalemergencyand federalizeWashington, D.C. after Mayor Muriel Bowser said its policewould not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

At issue is the provision of information on individuals living in, or entering, the United States illegally.Trump’s threat adds to a move critics have seen as federaloverreach, with more than 2,000 troops patrolling the city.

The comments come after several thousand protestershit the streetsthis monthoverTrump’s August deployment ofNationalGuard troops to “re-establish law, order, and public safety,” after calling crime a blight on the capital.

“In just a few weeks. The “place” is absolutely booming… for the first time in decades, virtually NO CRIME,”Trumpsaid on Truth Social.

Bowser’s officedid not immediately respond to a request for comment onTrump’s post.

Earlier he had put the metropolitan policedepartment under direct federal control and sent federal law enforcement, including members of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to policethe streets. It is unclear when their mission will end.

Trumpblamed “Radical Left Democrats” for pressuring Bowser to inform the government about the non-cooperation withICE, adding that if the policehalted cooperation withICE, “Crime would come roaring back.”

He added, “To the people and businesses ofWashington, D.C., DON’T WORRY, I AM WITH YOU, AND WON’T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. I’ll call aNationalEmergency, and Federalize, if necessary!!!”

Bowser, who has previously praisedTrump’s surge of federal law enforcement, bringing a sharp decline in crime, earliersignedan orderforthe city to coordinate with federal law enforcement.

TheNationalGuard serves as a militia answering to the governors of the 50 states, except when called into federal service. The D.C.NationalGuard reports directly to the president.