Bowser Moves to Ease Indefinite Federal Policing in Washington, D.C.

September 3, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) - In a move signaling continued cooperation with federal authorities, Mayor Muriel Bowser today emphasized her city’s readiness to extend the presence of federal law enforcement beyond the 30-day window established by President Trump’s crime emergency declaration.

Mayor Bowser’s announcement follows her September 2 executive order directing the Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center (SBEOC) to “coordinate with federal law enforcement to the maximum extent allowable by law within the District,” without specifying an end date. The SBEOC will continue managing centralized communications and set guidelines requiring federal partners to clearly identify their agency, refrain from wearing masks, and provide visible identification during encounters with residents.

Reacting to concerns about local autonomy, Bowser stated that sustaining reduced crime rates depends on strategic collaboration rather than an abrupt withdrawal of federal support. She highlighted declines in violent crime and carjackings since the federal surge began, noting that federal agents have bolstered the Metropolitan Police Department’s capacity to address major crime incidents.

Community advocates and some Council members, however, warn that indefinite federal involvement risks eroding trust between law enforcement and residents. Critics contend that federal agents operating without clear time limits could undermine Home Rule and complicate accountability mechanisms designed for local police.

Mayor Bowser countered these concerns by stressing that the SBEOC’s workstreams-public safety and justice, homelessness and encampments, beautification, and economic resilience-are structured to integrate federal resources while preserving local oversight. She affirmed that any federal request to alter Metropolitan Police Department policies would be evaluated to ensure it aligns with District laws and community standards.

As the city enters the second day of this open-ended arrangement, Mayor Bowser reiterated her commitment to balancing public safety gains with the protection of Washington, D.C.’s hard-won home-rule authority.

A court of appeals yesterday temporarily halted presidential deportations under wartime statutes, marking another legal check on federal actions. However, in Washington, the debate centers squarely on how long federal law enforcement will remain active on city streets.