AG Bondi Names 'Emergency Police Commissioner' in DC; Rescinds Sanctuary Protections

Attorney General Pam Bondi named an “emergency police commissioner” for Washington, DC’s Metropolitan Police Department and rescinded sanctuary protections on Thursday.

The Details: Bondi issued a new directive naming Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrence C. Cole to assume the position of Police Commissioner for the duration of the emergency declared by President Donald Trump. Bondi’s directive also rescinded any order limiting Metropolitan police officers in their handling of unauthorized immigrants. Cole is now able to issue general orders, executive orders, and written directives for all members of the department, while Metropolitan leadership must attain his approval before issuing orders of their own. Mayor Muriel Bowser pushed back on the new directive in a post on X. A lawsuit was filed Friday morning by DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb against the Trump administration following the new appointment.

For Context: Since Trump issued the emergency directive on Monday for Federal police and National Guard troops to deploy in DC, many have questioned whether the move is warranted. Some believe the problems with crime and homelessness in the city warrant such actions, while others push back, calling it a “racist narrative.” Since Monday’s directive, more than 100 people have been arrested, and sweeps have taken place, clearing out several homeless encampments.

How The Media Covered It: Fox News (Right bias) highlighted the stripping of power from the Metropolitan Police and the rescinding of sanctuary city protections, while framing the developments around the importance of cracking down on crime. The Washington Post (Lean Left) headline called the takeover “hostile,” while the article highlighted the lawsuit and commentary from Bowser and Schwalb calling the new directive unlawful. The Hill (Center) reported on a letter from Schwalb to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith stating, “It is my opinion that the Bondi Order is unlawful, and that you are not legally obligated to follow it.” The article also provided details about Cole’s career history with the DEA, listing many of the places he was formerly stationed.  

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