Quick Facts
- DEA Administrator Terry Cole has been appointed as D.C.’s emergency police commissioner by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
- The Metropolitan Police Department now needs Cole’s green light to make any orders.
- The number of federal agents and National Guard troops is growing in various parts of D.C.
WASHINGTON D.C. – Things took a turn on Thursday night as the Trump administration ramped up its police presence in Washington. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Terry Cole, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will step in as the city’s “emergency police commissioner.” This means Cole gets similar powers to those held by the D.C. Police Chief.
According to the official directive, all operational decisions made by the Metropolitan Police need to be approved by Cole now.
What Prompted This Shift?
Here’s the Lowdown
This change comes at a time when federal law enforcement and National Guard personnel are becoming increasingly visible across the city, with troops stationed strategically at key points including Union Station, the National Mall, and busy shopping areas.
President Trump has used his executive powers to oversee federal law enforcement in D.C. for the next 30 days, citing a need to restore “law and order” and enhance immigration enforcement measures.
On top of that, the Metropolitan Police have already granted their officers the ability to collaborate with immigration authorities—this change turns a page on the District’s previous practice of limiting such cooperation.
What Remains Uncertain
As of now, it’s unclear how long this federal presence will last or if the initial 30-day timeline will be prolonged.
City officials haven’t clarified if they intend to contest the emergency commissioner’s appointment in court, plus Mayor Muriel Bowser hasn’t commented on the shake-up since coming back into town.
Current Deployment of Law Enforcement Troops in D.C.
Local Vision
National Guard troops and federal officers are now scattered across multiple iconic locations in D.C.
Agents from Homeland Security Investigations are patrolling the U Street corridor while DEA officers are visible on the National Mall, complemented by Guard members nearby. Additionally, DEA agents have been spotted alongside Metropolitan Police in the Navy Yard neighborhood, and FBI agents are seen along Massachusetts Avenue.
A checkpoint has also been set up on 14th Street Northwest, heightening that federal atmosphere.
Concerns for the Homeless Community
What’s Happening Next
Furthermore, changes are affecting some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. Last Thursday, volunteers and city staff stepped in to assist individuals in relocating from several long-standing homeless encampments.
While officials have indicated these moves were voluntary, advocates have raised alarms about the potential for forced removals, pointing to notifications of supposed “cleanup” efforts on the horizon.
In Washington Circle, a protest featuring demonstrators with signs denouncing the federal enforcement efforts took place as construction crews cleared remnants of tents.
Information Sources
This report draws on updates from the Associated Press, statements from the White House and Pentagon, as well as local reporting from Washington, D.C.
