Bowser repeals sanctuary city principles in 2026 budget

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s latest budget proposal includes a provision to expand the ability of local police to assist with deportations, marking her latest shift away from the district’s sanctuary city policies.

Inserted into Washington, D.C.’s 2026 budget proposal, released Tuesday, is a request to repeal a law banning police from assisting federal immigration authorities in carrying out deportations. If Bowser’s request is granted, district police would be given expanded authorities to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies to target illegal immigrants.