Over 4 in 10 Arrests in D.C. Under Federal Takeover Are Undocumented Immigrants, White House Says

Over 4 in 10 arrests in Washington, D.C. since federal law enforcement assumed greater authority in the city have targeted undocumented immigrants, according to figures released by the Trump Administration.

A White House official told Washington’s ABC7 that more than 380 arrests have been made since Aug. 7. Of those, over 160 involved individuals in the country illegally, some of whom also face charges including assault and kidnapping.

The official did not specify how many arrests were made solely on immigration grounds. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not responded to requests for clarification, 7News reported. Mayor Muriel Bowser has urged the administration to distinguish between violent offenders and law-abiding immigrants:

“We need to separate the discussion of enforcement against violent offenders and everyday hardworking people who have made this country their home. For us in D.C., we have many immigrants who have lived here legally because of TPS protections.”

The numbers were disclosed on the same day as The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has been ordered to share information with immigration officials and even assist in transporting detainees, according to a directive from Police Chief Pamela Smith.

The White House has directed a surge of federal activity in the city, ordered by President Donald Trump as part of a broader crime and immigration initiative. The Washington Post reported on Monday that Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has been directly involved in overseeing operations, with federal agents working alongside D.C. police and National Guard troops in neighborhoods across the city.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday that while she supports efforts to reduce violence and remove illegal guns, she questioned the focus on immigration enforcement and the influx of out-of-state troops. “What is not necessary, however, is this commandeering — the attempted commandeering of the force itself,” she told reporters, according to the Post.

As the legal fight continues, advocates warn the policy shift could discourage immigrant communities from seeking police help. “These are ripple effects that are going to have a traumatic effect for years to come,” said Anuscè Sanai, associate director legal programs at Ayuda, an immigrant services organization, to the Post.