Trump vows national emergency in Washington over Immigration and Customs Enforcement row

US President Donald Trump said on Sept 15 that he would call a national emergency and federalise Washington, after Mayor Muriel Bowser said its police would not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

At issue is the provision of information on individuals living in, or entering, the United States illegally. Mr Trump’s threat adds to a move critics have seen as federal overreach, with more than 2,000 troops patrolling the city.

The comments come after several thousand protesters hit the streets this month over Mr Trump’s August deployment of National Guard troops to “re-establish law, order, and public safety,” after calling crime a blight on the capital.

“In just a few weeks. The place is absolutely booming... for the first time in decades, virtually no crime,” Mr Trump said on Truth Social.

Ms Bowser’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Mr Trump’s post.

Earlier he had put the metropolitan police department under direct federal control and sent federal law enforcement, including members of ICE, to police the streets. It is unclear when their mission will end.

Mr Trump blamed “radical left Democrats” for pressuring Ms Bowser to inform the government about the non-cooperation with ICE, adding that if the police halted cooperation with ICE, “crime would come roaring back”.

He added: “To the people and businesses of Washington, DC, don’t worry, I am with you, and won’t allow this to happen. I’ll call a national emergency, and federalise, if necessary!!!”

Ms Bowser, who has previously praised Mr Trump’s surge of federal law enforcement, bringing a sharp decline in crime, earlier signed an order for the city to coordinate with federal law enforcement.

The National Guard serves as a militia answering to the governors of the 50 states, except when called into federal service. The DC National Guard reports directly to the president. REUTERS