Author name: Jonathan Dillon

Durham, NC, Takes “Sanctuary City” to the Next Level, Makes Move to Protect Illegal Aliens
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Durham, NC, Takes “Sanctuary City” to the Next Level, Makes Move to Protect Illegal Aliens

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Durham, North Carolina, has officially declared itself a “Fourth Amendment Workplace” after city leaders approved a measure aimed at restricting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and increasing protections for illegal immigrant workers.

The Durham City Council unanimously passed the resolution on Tuesday, according to The Duke Chronicle.

The measure directs city staff to “uphold the 4th Amendment at their workplace and city agencies and report back to Council any barriers to effective training on the 4th Amendment for any departments.”

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants supported by probable cause before an arrest or property seizure can take place.

Durham’s resolution states that the city has “historically pursued equity and safety for all residents,” and that trust between residents and local government is essential for city operations.

The measure emphasizes that fear of “unconstitutional seizure” has prevented migrants in the city from “safely engaging in public life, including pursuing employment and education.”

The action comes weeks after an incident at the Durham County Courthouse in July, when four plainclothes ICE agents arrived to detain an illegal immigrant who faced a felony domestic violence charge.

The individual never appeared for his scheduled court hearing, and no arrests were made, according to WRAL.

“Our residents witnessed ICE agents in our community, instilling widespread fear and uncertainty,” Durham Mayor Leo Williams said after the incident.

“While local leaders cannot legally override the federal government’s use and weaponization of ICE, we can and must stand in strategic solidarity with our neighbors.”

That same day, residents organized a demonstration outside the courthouse to protest ICE’s presence.

Durham County Board of Commissioners Chair Nida Allam participated in the protest, saying, “This is a direct threat to the safety and dignity of our communities. The Courthouse should be a place where people can seek justice, not where they’re hunted down by federal agents.”

During Tuesday’s council meeting, migrants and their families voiced support for the resolution, citing daily fears of enforcement actions.

Local activists and residents urged the council to expand training for city employees to enforce the new policy.

Elise Ballan, chair of the Durham Workers’ Rights Commission, argued that the resolution was necessary to counter what she described as the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement measures.

“Durham celebrates a rich diversity of residents, and we understand that the Trump administration’s mass deportation targets a completely manufactured panic surrounding immigrants, puts anyone who does not appear White, anyone who does not speak English or has an accent, anyone regardless of papers or immigration status, at risk of abuse, abduction and even deportation to [a] country they have no ties to,” Ballan said.

Durham is the second city in North Carolina to adopt such a policy, following Carrboro, which passed a similar “Fourth Amendment Workplace” measure in May.

Earlier this year, ICE conducted operations in Durham, arresting 11 individuals living illegally in the United States.

The arrests raised concerns among some residents about the safety of their families.

In April, the federal government accused Durham of functioning as a “sanctuary” city for allegedly refusing to cooperate with ICE.

Durham officials rejected the claim, stating the label had “no legal or factual basis.”

The resolution also comes against the backdrop of a statewide political battle over immigration enforcement.

In 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly overrode a veto by Democrat Gov. Josh Stein to enact a law requiring sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Despite the state mandate, Durham leaders have maintained their opposition to cooperation with ICE.

Mayor Pro Tempore Mark Anthony Middleton reiterated that position at a candidate forum earlier this week, saying he would “never back collaboration” between Durham police and ICE, according to The Chronicle.

The new resolution reinforces Durham’s stance on immigration enforcement, setting up continued conflict between city officials, state lawmakers, and federal authorities.

Newark Dem Mayor’s Senior Aide Pleads Guilty in Pay-to-Play Corruption Scheme
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Newark Dem Mayor’s Senior Aide Pleads Guilty in Pay-to-Play Corruption Scheme

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A senior aide to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud in connection with a pay-to-play corruption scheme, federal prosecutors announced this week.

The aide admitted to participating in a scheme that exchanged government favors for bribes, a violation carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba released a statement on X confirming the plea and stressing her office’s stance against public corruption.

“Today a former Senior Aide to the Mayor of Newark plead guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud,” Habba stated.

She added, “This is a clear example of a pay-to-play scheme, where public officials exploit their positions of power to obtain bribes in exchange for doing their jobs. This betrays the trust of the very community members they claim to serve. I will not stand for public corruption anywhere in New Jersey. These charges have a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This is what accountability looks like — and I will continue to fight for the people of New Jersey.”

The case adds to the scrutiny surrounding Newark’s leadership after Mayor Baraka himself was arrested last month for trespassing at Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.

According to authorities, Baraka entered the facility without authorization in what was described as a political demonstration.

He was charged with criminal trespass, though the misdemeanor case was later dropped by Habba’s office.

Instead of letting the matter end there, Baraka filed a lawsuit against Acting U.S. Attorney Habba and Homeland Security Special Agent Ricky Patel.

In a 17-page complaint, Baraka alleged false arrest and malicious prosecution. The lawsuit characterized Habba as a “political operative,” language that drew criticism from federal officials.

Habba responded to the lawsuit directly, urging the mayor to turn his focus to public safety.

“My advice to the mayor – feel free to join me in prioritizing violent crime and public safety. Far better use of time for the great citizens of New Jersey,” Habba said.

The guilty plea by Baraka’s aide underscores a growing wave of corruption cases being pursued in the state.

Federal investigators have made clear that they will continue to target public officials who use their positions for personal gain.

The court has not yet set a sentencing date for the aide, but the individual faces the possibility of significant prison time if the maximum penalties are imposed.

Mayor Baraka has not been charged in the aide’s case and continues to serve as mayor of Newark while pursuing his lawsuit against federal officials.

The outcome of that lawsuit remains pending.

Federal prosecutors in New Jersey have reiterated that their priority is ensuring accountability at all levels of government, emphasizing that public service must not be abused for private benefit.

The aide’s guilty plea marks the latest development in a series of high-profile cases focused on rooting out corruption among elected officials and their staff in the state.

Texas Homeowner Charged With Murder After 11-Year-Old Killed Playing Ding, Dong, Ditch
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Texas Homeowner Charged With Murder After 11-Year-Old Killed Playing Ding, Dong, Ditch

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A Houston man has been charged with murder after police say he fatally shot an 11-year-old boy who was playing the doorbell prank known as “ding dong ditch” with friends over the weekend, as reported by The New York Post.

Authorities identified the suspect as 42-year-old Gonzalo Leon Jr. He is accused of shooting Julian Guzman late Saturday night, moments after the child rang the doorbell of Leon’s home and ran away.

According to a statement from Houston police, officers were informed that Guzman and several other children were ringing doorbells in the neighborhood and then fleeing.

“A witness stated Guzman was running from a house after ringing the doorbell just prior to suffering a gunshot wound,” the statement said.

Police said that after the shooting, Guzman was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Sunday.

Police Activity at Cape Canaveral Hospital Saturday night. The Cocoa Beach Police Department was on scene at the hospital investigating a suspicious incident. Also on scene was a heavy presence of BCSO. Fire trucks and ambulances were staged near the hospital on 520.

Officers initially questioned a person at the scene, but that individual was released. On Tuesday, however, Houston police SWAT officers arrested Leon, who was later booked into the Harris County Jail on a murder charge.

The case comes amid a series of recent incidents in which the prank has ended in violence.

Earlier this year in Virginia, a homeowner allegedly shot and killed a high school athlete after the teen and his friends knocked on his door.

In a separate case in July of last year, a teenager was shot and wounded in Maine after attempting the prank at another residence.

Police have not released additional details on whether Leon made any statements during or after the shooting. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is expected to pursue the case in the coming weeks.

Authorities are urging parents to warn children about the dangers of pulling pranks on strangers’ homes, given the recent surge in popularity of “ding, dong, ditch” videos on social media.

Michigan College Student Killed in Murder-Suicide After Months of Stalking
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Michigan College Student Killed in Murder-Suicide After Months of Stalking

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A Michigan college student was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend in what police are calling a murder-suicide, after months of stalking and harassment, as reported by The New York Post.

Sarah Carroll, 20, was killed Saturday at the Woodland Villa Apartments in Westland, near Detroit, according to Fox 2.

Police identified the incident as a murder-suicide after her ex-boyfriend, identified only as Lincoln, called 911 to report that he had shot Carroll before taking his own life.

Carroll’s mother, Jennifer Carroll, said her daughter had been attempting to obtain a personal protection order against Lincoln in the weeks before the shooting.

“She was with Lincoln, her ex-boyfriend, for almost a year and they were having trouble,” Jennifer told Fox 2. “He was stalking her for the past two months. And he came here last night, shot her, called 911, said he killed his girlfriend, and then shot himself.”

Jennifer added that her daughter had not told her parents about the extent of the stalking before the tragedy. “To other parents — watch your kids,” she told Click on Detroit. “Try to get more into their life, try to get them to be open and talk to you.”

Sarah’s father, James Carroll, said Lincoln “was suffering from mental illness” and that his daughter had been shot multiple times with a shotgun.

“If their children are suffering from mental illness, get them some help. Get them the help that they need before something like this happens,” he said.

Carroll was a student at Schoolcraft College, where she was pursuing a degree to become a physician assistant. Her father described her as someone who was loved by everyone who knew her. “She was wonderful. I’m going to miss my baby,” he said.

The Westland Police Department said it will release further details as the investigation continues.

A GoFundMe page created to help cover funeral expenses described Sarah as “smart, brave, strong, and with a smile that lit up every room she entered.”

The fundraiser’s organizer, Deborah Carroll, wrote, “She was only just beginning her journey, and losing her at such a young age is something no family should ever have to go through.”

James Carroll also posted on Facebook to thank supporters for their generosity. “We are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, and generosity we have received through this GoFundMe,” he wrote.

“Every single donation, share, and prayer means more to us than words can express.”

Authorities said they will provide additional updates later this week.

Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown Gets a Surprise Endorsement from Unlikely Politician
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Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown Gets a Surprise Endorsement from Unlikely Politician

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Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser praised the results of President Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in the nation’s capital, pointing to sharp declines in crime since the increase in federal officers began.

Speaking with reporters, Bowser credited the cooperation between federal law enforcement and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for the significant reductions, particularly in carjackings.

“We greatly appreciate the surge of officers that enhance what MPD has been able to do in this city,” Bowser said.

According to the mayor, carjackings were among the “most troubling” crimes in the district in 2023.

She noted that in the 20 days since the expansion of federal presence in Washington, carjackings had dropped by 87 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

Overall crime in the district also decreased by 15 percent during the same timeframe.

“We know that when carjackings go down, when use of gun goes down, when homicide or robbery go down, neighborhoods feel safer and are safer, so this surge has been important to us,” Bowser said.

The mayor added that she has been in direct contact with Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles throughout the law enforcement effort.

She said the collaboration has led to an increase in stops that have resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms and stronger accountability measures.

Bowser emphasized that the surge has provided resources the city needed to combat rising crime.

She credited the enhanced coordination between local and federal authorities with disrupting criminal activity and giving law enforcement new tools to restore safety in neighborhoods across the city.

The mayor noted that while the MPD continues its regular operations, the added presence of federal officers has allowed for greater enforcement and prevention efforts.

Officials have said the partnership is part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and addressing the surge in carjackings that plagued the city in recent years.

Data released by city officials reflected Bowser’s comments, showing measurable improvements in public safety indicators since the additional officers were deployed.

Authorities said they would continue to monitor crime levels and adjust strategies as necessary, but the early numbers point to substantial progress in a short period of time.

Federal agencies working alongside MPD in the city include the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, among others.

Together, the expanded presence has increased patrols, enforcement operations, and intelligence sharing.

City leaders said the cooperation has produced faster response times and better coordination on investigations involving firearms, carjackings, and violent crime patterns.

The administration has also highlighted community engagement efforts alongside enforcement, aimed at building trust while addressing ongoing safety concerns.

Mayor Bowser said the drop in carjackings and other crimes has already been felt by residents in neighborhoods across Washington.

She reiterated that the combination of federal resources with MPD’s work has been central to the improvements.

The 87 percent reduction in carjackings during the 20-day period marks one of the steepest short-term declines in recent memory, according to city officials.

Along with the overall 15 percent drop in crime, Bowser said the figures demonstrate that the increased law enforcement presence is producing results.

Authorities plan to continue the surge for the time being while assessing its long-term impact.

Bowser said she expects continued cooperation with the Trump administration, the Department of Justice, and federal law enforcement partners to sustain the downward trend in crime.

John Bolton Breaks Silence After FBI Raids Home and Office
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John Bolton Breaks Silence After FBI Raids Home and Office

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Former National Security Adviser John Bolton publicly commented Tuesday for the first time since FBI agents raided his Maryland home and Washington, D.C., office last week, issuing sharp criticism of both President Donald Trump’s policies and the law enforcement actions against him, as reported by The New York Post.

Bolton, who served as Trump’s national security adviser, posted multiple messages on X decrying what he called the president’s “incoherent” approach to Ukraine and condemning the raids executed against his properties on Friday.

BEDMINSTER, NEW JERSEY – 19 NOVEMBER 2016: President-elect Donald Trump & Vice President-elect Mike Pence met with potential cabinet members at Trump International

“Donald Trump’s Ukraine policy today is no more coherent than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office,” Bolton wrote.

“Collapsing in confusion and haste, Trump’s negotiations may be in their last throes, along with his Nobel Peace Prize campaign.”

His post linked to an opinion piece he authored in the Washington Examiner, published Monday, where Bolton argued that the administration’s Ukraine strategy lacked consistency.

“The administration has tried to camouflage its disarray behind social media posts, such as Trump comparing his finger-pointing at Russian President Vladimir Putin to then-Vice President Richard Nixon during the famous kitchen debate with Nikita Khrushchev,” Bolton wrote.

“Why Trump wants to be compared to the only president who resigned in disgrace is unclear.”

Bolton continued on X, claiming that “bilateral relationships have suffered considerable damage because of the fallout from the administration’s failing diplomacy.” He added, “The longer India hangs out to dry, the worse the New Delhi-Washington relationship gets.”

A senior FBI official told The Post on Friday that the searches were connected to an investigation into allegations Bolton used a private email server to send classified documents to family members while serving in the White House.

Bolton’s X account had been largely inactive since the raids, aside from one message posted roughly 30 minutes after FBI agents arrived at his Bethesda, Maryland, home, again criticizing Trump’s Ukraine approach. It remained unclear whether that post was pre-scheduled.

“Russia has not changed its goal: drag Ukraine into a new Russian Empire. Moscow has demanded that Ukraine cede territory it already holds and the remainder of Donetsk, which it has been unable to conquer. Zelensky will never do so,” Bolton said.

Former National Security Advisor and Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton speaks during the Vanderbilt Chancellor s Lecture Series event at Vanderbilt University’s Langford Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020. Bolton Rice 021920 003

“Meanwhile, meetings will continue because Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize, but I don’t see these talks making any progress.”

In addition to his own commentary, Bolton retweeted an interview posted by UK-based Times Radio with former Conservative Party leader William Hague.

Hague said it was “suspicious” that the raids occurred after Bolton had criticized Trump, calling the action “a potential encroachment on freedom of speech and liberty.”

The investigation into Bolton’s alleged handling of classified information remains ongoing.

JB Pritzker Claims He Lives Rent-Free in Trump’s Head, Then Cameraman Breaks the Internet
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JB Pritzker Claims He Lives Rent-Free in Trump’s Head, Then Cameraman Breaks the Internet

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker warned President Donald Trump against deploying the National Guard to Chicago, telling reporters the city does not meet the threshold for such federal action and that no coordination had occurred with state or local leaders.

Speaking at a press availability along the Chicago River, Pritzker argued that a National Guard deployment was unnecessary and characterized the White House’s push as political theater.

“We have crime like other cities do, but let’s be clear, we are actually in better shape than the 30 biggest cities across the United States,” he said.

“It’s important to understand that the president of the United States is doing this for theatrics.”

Pritzker said activating troops in a major U.S. city would require a compelling justification that he does not see in Chicago’s current public-safety conditions.

“Calling the military into a U.S. city to invade our streets and neighborhoods and disrupt the lives of everyday people is an extraordinary action, and it should require extraordinary justification,” Pritzker continued.

Gesturing toward the nearby riverwalk, he added: “Does this look like an emergency?”

The governor also said the administration had not reached out to coordinate any possible deployment.

“No one from the White House or the executive branch has reached out to me or to the mayor,” Pritzker said.

“No one has reached out to our staffs. No effort has been made to coordinate or to ask for our assistance in identifying any actions that might be helpful to us.”

Pritzker’s remarks followed comments from President Trump last week suggesting that a National Guard mission in Chicago could be considered after recent federal action in Washington, D.C.

The president has long criticized conditions in Chicago and escalated those critiques on Friday.

He described the city as “a mess” and indicated that active-duty troops might be required.

“We’ll straighten that one out,” Trump said, adding that after Washington, D.C., “I think Chicago will be our next, and then we’ll help with New York.”

The exchange highlighted the divide between federal and state officials over the threshold for using military forces in domestic public-safety roles.

Pritzker maintained that Chicago’s crime situation compares favorably to other large cities and that state and local law enforcement remain responsible for public safety.

He emphasized that any substantial federal intervention should be coordinated with state and municipal authorities.

Pritzker also continued a line of criticism he has voiced since the 2024 campaign, questioning the president’s decision-making while rejecting the need for federal troops in Chicago.

CNN Fact Check on Trump’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer Claim Debunked by the Constitution
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CNN Fact Check on Trump’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer Claim Debunked by the Constitution

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Federal agents conducted a raid on the home of former National Security Adviser John Bolton early Friday morning as part of an ongoing FBI investigation into classified documents.

The search took place around 7 a.m. at Bolton’s residence in Bethesda, Maryland, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The raid adds Bolton to the list of high-profile figures facing scrutiny over the handling of classified materials, a controversy that has dominated headlines since similar cases involving other government officials.

The FBI has not released details on the scope of the investigation or what agents seized during the search.

President Donald Trump addressed the raid later in the day, commenting on the broader issue of federal investigations and law enforcement authority.

In his remarks, Trump reiterated his position that as president, he is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States.

CNN quickly moved to fact-check Trump’s statement, highlighting Department of Justice materials that describe the attorney general as holding the role of the nation’s top law enforcement officer.

However, constitutional experts point out that the U.S. Constitution grants the president authority to ensure that the nation’s laws are faithfully executed.

Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution states: “He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.”

The FBI raid on Bolton’s home comes amid heightened political debate over the scope of federal authority and the treatment of officials under investigation.

Media coverage of the incident drew immediate comparisons to the FBI’s search of President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in 2022, which similarly centered on disputes over classified records.

Bolton, who served as national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019, has not publicly commented on the search of his residence.

The Department of Justice has also declined to provide additional information, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The raid is expected to fuel continued debate in Washington over the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive cases, as well as the extent of presidential and Department of Justice authority in such matters.

With Bolton’s case now added to the ongoing discussions, the political and legal fallout is likely to extend in the weeks ahead.

City-Owned Grocery Store Plagued by Empty Shelves Finally Closes After Years of Loses
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City-Owned Grocery Store Plagued by Empty Shelves Finally Closes After Years of Loses

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A city-owned grocery store in Kansas City, Missouri, has shut its doors after years of financial challenges and the investment of millions of taxpayer dollars.

The closure comes as similar proposals for government-run grocery stores are being promoted elsewhere, including in New York City by Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

The Kansas City Sun Fresh market, located in Midtown, closed on Tuesday morning.

Local news outlet KSHB reported that a note was posted on the store’s entrance informing customers of the shutdown.

“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we are no longer, at this time, able to serve the residents of this important community,” the note read.

“It has always been our dream and passion to provide quality products and services in a safe, family environment. At this time, unfortunately, we are unable to do that.”

Fox News Digital confirmed the closure through a statement from Emmet Pierson, CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), the non-profit organization that took over ownership of the market in 2022.

The acquisition was handled through Midtown Grocers LLC, an entity operated by CBKC.

“Community Builders of Kansas City, through Midtown Grocers LLC, has worked tirelessly to provide food and necessary services to the urban community throughout its history,” Pierson said in the statement.

“Community Builders has been vocal for years about our concerns and fears regarding the increasingly insurmountable challenges of the KC Sun Fresh Midtown location – they are well-documented and well-known to the community, the media and the City of Kansas City, Missouri (the landlord of the Sun Fresh Midtown location).”

Pierson added that the decision to close was effective as of August 12, 2025.

“As of August 12, 2025, CBKC is no longer able to serve the residents from this Midtown Sun Fresh location. We have no other comments at this time.”

The store had been considered a community resource in a neighborhood that faced limited access to grocery options.

However, operational and financial challenges persisted over the years.

Local reports indicate that the market faced difficulties maintaining sufficient customer traffic and covering operating expenses, despite public funding support.

The City of Kansas City owns the building in which the Sun Fresh market operated.

Officials have not yet announced plans for the future use of the property or whether a new grocery store will occupy the location.

The closure underscores the risks and challenges associated with municipally owned retail operations.

In the case of Sun Fresh, despite public and private efforts to sustain the store, declining revenues and other economic pressures ultimately led to its shutdown.

While the Kansas City experiment in city-owned grocery retail has come to an end, similar proposals are currently under discussion in other parts of the country.

In New York City, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has suggested that city-run grocery stores could help address food access issues in underserved neighborhoods.

The Kansas City outcome may factor into debates over the viability and long-term sustainability of such programs.

Community leaders in Kansas City have expressed concern about the loss of the Midtown grocery option and the potential impact on residents who relied on the store for food access.

No timeline has been provided for replacing the store with another grocer or service provider.

Kash Patel’s FBI Hits the Ground Running with Trump’s Plan to Clean Up Washington DC
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Kash Patel’s FBI Hits the Ground Running with Trump’s Plan to Clean Up Washington DC

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FBI Director Kash Patel announced Tuesday that the bureau has made 10 arrests during the first night of President Donald Trump’s federal initiative to address crime in the nation’s capital.

The arrests were part of the administration’s broader effort to “make D.C. safe again,” launched earlier this week.

In a post on X, Patel detailed the arrests, which included charges of prior murder, unlawful possession of firearms, multiple outstanding warrants for driving under the influence, and violation of a restraining order.

“These are just a few examples — we are just getting started,” Patel wrote.

“Federal partners joined local police and arrested 23 in total. When you let good cops be cops they can clean up our streets and do it fast.”

He concluded with, “More to come. Your nation’s Capital WILL be safe again.”

The announcement came one day after Trump declared “Liberation Day” for Washington, D.C., placing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control and activating the National Guard.

The move invokes Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, granting the president the authority to assume control of the city’s police force in certain circumstances.

“This is Liberation Day in D.C., and we’re going to take our capital back,” Trump said at a White House press briefing on Monday.

“We’re taking it back under the authorities vested in me as the president of the United States. I’m officially invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act and placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control.”

The president said that roughly 800 National Guard troops would be mobilized to support MPD with logistics, transportation, and guarding federal and law enforcement facilities.

The federalization is expected to last 30 days, with Attorney General Pam Bondi overseeing the MPD during that period. Trump emphasized that the troops would be “allowed to do their job properly.”

The FBI is among several federal agencies participating in the operation, working alongside the National Guard and local police.

Federal officials say the joint effort aims to increase law enforcement presence in high-crime neighborhoods and address outstanding warrants.

The decision has faced opposition from some local leaders and critics who argue the federal takeover is unnecessary.

They point to city statistics showing a drop in reported crime over the past year.

However, some law enforcement officials have questioned the accuracy of those figures.

Last month, a Washington, D.C., police commander was suspended after alleging that MPD Chief Pamela Smith and other top officials had manipulated crime data.

Trump had first raised the possibility of federalizing D.C.’s police force during his 2024 presidential campaign, citing concerns about rising crime.

The issue resurfaced earlier this month when a Department of Government Efficiency staffer was attacked by several juveniles in the city.

Trump cited that incident as evidence of unsafe conditions and pledged immediate action.

The administration has said it will provide further updates on the progress of the operation in the coming days.

For now, federal officials say the initial results underscore the ability of coordinated law enforcement efforts to deliver swift arrests and restore public safety.


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