In a post on Truth Social on 14/9/2025, former President Donald Trump blamed "radical left Democrats" for pressuring Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to announce an end to cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He warned that if this happens, "crime will make a comeback."

"To the people and businesses of Washington, D.C., don't worry, I will have your backs and won't let this happen. I will declare a state of emergency and put the city under direct federal control as needed", Trump wrote.

President Trump speaks to the press at the airport in Morristown, New Jersey, on 14/9. Photo: AP

President Trump speaks to the press at the airport in Morristown, New Jersey, on 14/9. Photo: AP

Mayor Bowser's office has not yet responded to Trump's comments.

Previously, Trump placed the city's police department under direct federal control and deployed federal law enforcement, including ICE agents, to Washington, D.C. It is unclear when this deployment will end.

Trump claimed that due to these actions, Washington, D.C. had "gone from being one of the most dangerous and murder-ridden cities in the US, and perhaps even the world, to one of the safest in just a few weeks."

Mayor Bowser initially praised Trump's decision, saying it helped significantly reduce crime, and signed an order requiring city law enforcement to cooperate with federal forces. However, she later announced that Washington, D.C. police would not cooperate with ICE.

Ngoc Anh (Reuters)