Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration has quietly erased its sanctuary city webpage, signaling a potential shift in DC’s immigration policies. The removal comes at a time when the district is grappling with soaring crime rates and economic instability, putting pressure on Bowser to prioritize public safety over political posturing.
For years, DC had proudly declared itself a sanctuary city, a stance Bowser championed in 2016 when she pledged to fight against deportations and protect illegal immigrants. The now-deleted webpage had outlined her administration’s commitment to using taxpayer funds for legal aid and resisting federal immigration enforcement.
Now, Bowser is stepping away from that language. She recently admitted she no longer calls DC a sanctuary city, saying the term misleads illegal immigrants into believing they are safe from federal action. “You are vulnerable to federal immigration enforcement,” she stated last month. Her shift in rhetoric suggests that her administration is rethinking its position as DC faces increasing pressure over its crime surge and economic downturn.
The deletion of the webpage follows Bowser’s response to Congress, where she indicated DC would comply with ICE detainers. “We will follow the law,” she said when asked about the city’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities — a marked shift from her previous defiance.
While DC still has local laws that limit ICE cooperation, Bowser’s recent decisions suggest that she is trying to reframe the city’s approach to illegal immigration. With crime spiraling out of control and economic uncertainty mounting, Bowser’s administration appears to be prioritizing stability over the radical policies that once defined her tenure.
The move also comes on the heels of her decision to remove Black Lives Matter Plaza, further underscoring her administration’s shift away from activist-driven policies toward a more pragmatic approach to governance.
