Operation in D.C. Against Crime and Illegal Immigration

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt firmly reaffirmed the Trump administration’s stance against cities with sanctuary policies for immigrants and emphasized its top priority on restoring public safety. She stated that if law enforcement officers encounter a criminal in this city who is an illegal immigrant, the appropriate measures will be taken to detain and deport that individual, as they should be, and that no city should serve as a sanctuary for anyone other than law-abiding U.S. citizens. This statement reflects the administration’s firm policy: cities should not obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws, in line with previous executive orders aimed at pressuring jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration agencies.

Leavitt stressed that the intervention in Washington D.C. has a defined 30-day timeframe, during which the focus is on making the operation as efficient as possible, removing as many criminals from the streets as possible, and cleaning up the city, after which it will be reevaluated and further decisions will be made. She highlighted the collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), noting that even Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged that an increase of officers on the streets would help deter crime, and stated that the administration looks forward to working with these men and women to keep law-abiding citizens safe.

The press secretary also reported measures targeting homeless encampments. She explained that relocation to shelters or treatment would be offered to those living in the camps, but those who refuse would face fines or incarceration. As part of this strategy, the Park Service has already removed 70 encampments to enhance security and improve access to public areas.

Regarding the legal basis, Leavitt indicated that the intervention is supported by Section 740 of the Home Rule Act of 1973, which allows the president to assume temporary control of the D.C. Police Department after declaring a public safety emergency, in this case following a violent attack against a member of the administration. Up to 800 National Guard personnel were deployed for this operation, along with agents from various federal agencies, with the goal of reinforcing security in key areas of the city.

Leavitt emphasized that the federal intervention is neither symbolic nor excessive, but an action based on principles of legality, public safety, and political responsibility. She assured that armed illegal immigrants have already been removed from the streets and that this is just the beginning. The message conveyed is one of firmness and urgency: to act within a clear legal framework, collaborate with local authorities, intervene socially as needed, and coordinate resources to restore order and security in the capital, in line with the Trump administration’s policy approach.