U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to federalize Washington, DC’s police force and declare a national emergency after Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will not participate in immigration enforcement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Trump’s warning came in a Truth Social post on Sept. 15, days after his 30-day emergency takeover of the MPD expired. In August, Trump signed an executive order invoking the 1973 Home Rule Act, which allowed him to assume temporary control of the district’s police amid what he declared a “crime emergency.”

During the federal control period, Bowser issued her own executive order directing city agencies to coordinate with federal law enforcement, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service, but excluded ICE. At a Sept. 10 press conference, she emphasized that MPD would return to its “pre-emergency status quo” and not take part in immigration enforcement.

In response, Trump accused Bowser of jeopardizing public safety. “If I allowed this to happen, CRIME would come roaring back,” he posted, vowing to intervene if necessary. “I’ll call a National Emergency, and Federalize, if necessary!!!”

Trump has credited his temporary takeover with making Washington “one of the safest cities” in weeks, though Bowser noted violent crime was already down 26% from 2024 levels when the emergency was declared. She acknowledged the federal presence did reduce carjackings and gun crimes but rejected Trump’s claims of dramatic improvements.

To extend federal control beyond 30 days, congressional approval is required. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated he has no plans to support legislation extending Trump’s authority.

The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and Bowser over crime, immigration, and the limits of federal power in the nation’s capital.