In a surprising shift from her previous stance, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser is moving to dismantle the city's sanctuary law, which has long shielded illegal immigrants from federal enforcement.
This policy change aligns with President Donald Trump's stringent immigration measures, which have been a hallmark of his administration. Bowser's proposal seeks to overturn the existing law that prevents local law enforcement from collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that could significantly alter the city's approach to immigration.
According to The Washington Free Beacon, Bowser's initiative to repeal the sanctuary city law is discreetly embedded within her 2026 budget proposal. This strategic inclusion suggests a calculated effort to minimize public attention and potential backlash.
However, the final decision rests with the D.C. Council, where some progressive members may resist Bowser's efforts. This development marks a notable departure from Bowser's earlier positions since assuming office in 2015.
Previously, she had been a vocal advocate for D.C.'s status as a "proud sanctuary city," emphasizing her commitment to safeguarding immigrant rights against what she termed as Trump's "disturbing" immigration policies.
In a statement from June 21, 2019, which has since been removed from the city's website, Bowser criticized the President's immigration policies, stating, "The President should understand that not only are these threats cruel and antithetical to our American values, they are actually making our communities less safe by sending more residents into hiding, cut off from resources, support, and opportunity."
This rhetoric starkly contrasts with her current actions, suggesting a pragmatic shift in her approach to federal immigration enforcement.
Under the Trump administration, efforts to curb illegal immigration have intensified, with ICE, led by border czar Tom Homan, arresting over 158,000 illegal aliens, including 189 in D.C. earlier this month. The Department of Homeland Security reports that approximately 75 percent of these detainees have criminal convictions or pending charges. |
Furthermore, Attorney General Pam Bondi's directive to halt federal funding to sanctuary cities underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws. The Department of Justice has also taken legal action against states like Illinois and New York, arguing that their sanctuary laws obstruct federal immigration policies.
Bowser's recent actions indicate a willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration on various issues beyond immigration. Her administration has responded to the President's call for a citywide cleanup by clearing a homeless encampment near the State Department and removing "Black Lives Matter Plaza" in preparation for the nation's 250th anniversary. This newfound cooperation suggests a potential realignment of priorities as Bowser navigates the complex political landscape of the nation's capital.
As Bowser's proposal moves forward, the D.C. Council's response will be pivotal in determining the future of the city's sanctuary status.
The outcome will not only impact local immigration enforcement but also reflect broader national debates on immigration policy and federal-state relations.
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