Citizens protesting in front of the National Guard deployed in Washington D.C. [EPA Yonhap News file photo]

The Donald Trump administration has taken over the police command of Washington D.C., the U.S. capital.

However, the leadership of Washington D.C. is strongly resisting, and a conflict with the federal government over the capital's police authority is expected to continue.

According to the Associated Press and The Washington Post on the 14th (local time), Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Terry Cole, director of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as the 'Emergency Police Chief' to command the Washington D.C. Police Department.

The Washington D.C. Police Department was led by Chief Pamela Smith, appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat. However, from now on, the federal government will directly control the Washington D.C. police.

Bondi stated that all future law enforcement actions by the Washington D.C. Police Department will require Cole's approval.

He also announced the abolition of the Washington D.C. Police Department's policy restricting immigration enforcement.

Until now, the Washington D.C. police, following the Democratic mayor's directives, did not cooperate with federal agencies in arresting immigrants related to their immigration status. However, under federal government guidelines from now on, they will have to enforce the law.

However, Mayor Bowser called Bondi's appointment of an emergency police chief 'illegal' and suggested defiance.

In a statement, Mayor Bowser cited the federal law, the 'District of Columbia Home Rule Act,' applied by President Trump for this action, arguing, "(The law) has no provisions supporting the transfer of Washington D.C.'s authority to federal officials."

Brian Schwalb, Attorney General for Washington D.C., also sent a letter to Chief Smith on the afternoon of the same day, stating, "Bondi's order is illegal, and there is no legal obligation to comply with it," and argued, "No official other than you can exercise all the powers and duties of the Police Chief."

The Washington Post reported this as the strongest resistance from Washington D.C. leadership since President Trump declared control over police authority on the 12th.

Earlier, President Trump had ordered the deployment of federal law enforcement agencies, citing the spread of crime in Washington D.C.

Accordingly, personnel from 12 agencies, including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the DEA, were deployed in Washington D.C. starting at midnight on the 8th.

In addition, 800 members of the National Guard were mobilized to guard various monuments and patrol in Washington D.C.

Military Humvee vehicles were deployed in front of train stations in the city, and city vehicles removed some homeless encampments in the square in front of the train station.

Some homeless individuals who had been living in the tent city packed their belongings and left with the help of volunteers.

Protests criticizing the Trump administration also took place around the plaza.

Local human rights groups anticipate that the police will soon clear out homeless encampments throughout the city.

Yesterday, widespread checks were conducted in the city's entertainment districts, leading to public backlash.

According to the White House, 45 people were arrested that night, 29 of whom were for alleged illegal immigration.

The Department of Defense explained, "The National Guard will protect the capital until President Trump deems that order has been restored."

Unlike the 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C. is an autonomous region without a state government or governor, allowing the president to control public safety without special consent procedures.

However, to maintain federal control beyond 30 days, approval procedures from both the Senate and the House of Representatives are required.

Yonhap News