D.C. Mayor Orders Continued Local-Federal Crime Cooperation

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has issued an executive order to continue cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies in combating crime, even after President Donald Trump's federally declared public safety emergency expires. Trump had invoked a rare provision of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to take control of the city's police force in response to crime concerns, deploying the National Guard and federal officers to the city. Bowser's order establishes the Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center (SBEOC) to coordinate efforts between city and federal law enforcement, emphasizing adherence to established policing practices to maintain community trust. While the Administration highlights a significant drop in violent crime since federal intervention, some experts and local Democrats question the long-term effectiveness of this strategy. Bowser's continuation of the partnership has been praised by the White House and Trump, who called D.C. a "crime free zone," contrasting with other cities like Chicago where officials have rejected similar federal involvement. The order is open-ended, signaling ongoing collaboration to address crime within legal limits.