Trump Threatens National Emergency in Washington Over ICE Cooperation

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers, the investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with U.S. Park Police officers, detain an individual on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 13, 2025. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

President Donald Trump said he would again declare a national emergency in Washington, D.C., if local police do not cooperate with U.S. immigration authorities (ICE).

The leader of the country noted in a Truth Social post that such a move reduced crime in the area, but without cooperation with ICE crime could rise again.

These remarks stem from the context of the end of last week’s national emergency and the federal management of the situation, which, in his words, was necessary to fight crime but drew criticism as a “dangerous abuse of power”.

In Washington, Mayor Muriel Bowser on September 2 issued an order requiring the city to cooperate with federal law enforcement without restrictions, but clarified that DC does not need a federal state of emergency.

However Bowser’s order does not mention ICE; she said last week that she does not expect the Metropolitan Police Department to participate in immigration actions and expects a return to “the status quo”.

If I allowed this to happen, crime would erupt again with ferocious force. For the people and businesses of Washington, D.C., don’t worry – I am with you and will not let this happen. I will declare a national emergency and, if necessary, federalize the situation!!!

Although crime in Washington had declined during the state of emergency, it would be wrong to think that crime is absent across the city.

The latest post reflects a shift in tone from Bowser’s previous statements, which he had often praised in recent weeks for productive cooperation with federal agencies.

Context and city response

Mayor Bowser had previously emphasized that the order should ensure seamless interaction between the city and federal law enforcement without refusals and delays, but stressed that DC does not need a new federal state of emergency.

At the same time, the Metropolitan Police Department is not mentioned in the order and a return to the usual format of involvement in immigration operations is expected without expanding powers.

Analysts note that the next steps by the federal government and the city administration will determine a new direction for the capital’s security and its engagement with immigration services.