DC homeless encampment cleared as Trump pushes to extend federal control

DC concerns grow as Trump moves to extend federal control

Concerns are growing in the District as President Trump signals plans to possibly extend federal control over Washington, D.C., beyond the legal 30-day limit.

WASHINGTON - City crews cleared a homeless encampment Thursday between the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial, as concerns mount over President Donald Trump’s push to extend federal control of Washington, D.C.’s police department beyond the legal 30-day limit.

Federal presence grows

What we know:

Officials told FOX 5 that residents were notified a day in advance, and volunteers helped gather belongings. The city also made shelter and storage options available.

READ MORE: 'I’m the mayor and he’s the president': Bowser navigates Trump’s DC takeover in FOX 5 exclusive

The federal presence in D.C. has intensified since Trump’s March "beautification" order, which targeted homeless encampments across the city. On Wednesday night, protests erupted in Northwest D.C. after federal agents set up vehicle checkpoints. Residents reported seeing ICE and Border Patrol agents on U Street and 14th Street, with some warning drivers to avoid the area.

Encampment clearings continue

Encampments near the I-66 ramp in Foggy Bottom and along Rock Creek Parkway have been cleared before, but unhoused residents often return. The White House says individuals who refuse to leave or enter treatment could face fines.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said the city continues outreach efforts and has shelter capacity available.

READ MORE: Trump vows to remove homeless encampments in DC, District reacts

"We already have extensive outreach to our unhoused residents," Bowser told FOX 5. "Some of them already on federal property, some of them at other sites throughout the city. We have shelter capacity, and we want them to come in. That's always our message. It's especially our message right now. We want you to come into shelter and our outreach workers can tell you how to do it."

Federal officials say the increased coordination is aimed at improving public safety, but many residents remain uneasy about the show of force.

President Trump said Wednesday he plans to seek congressional approval to extend the federalization. He also claimed he could act unilaterally if a national emergency is declared.

Meanwhile, Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles has introduced a resolution to amend the D.C. Home Rule Act, allowing the president to extend federal control indefinitely.

READ MORE: Trump threatens to extend federal takeover of DC police beyond 30 days

What's next

Possible federal enforcement efforts for Aug. 14 are being tracked by the D.C. Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Office and the Department of Human Services. 

The District has reportedly worked proactively with homeless residents ahead of these actions to provide shelter and other needed services. Impacted residents seeking shelter will not be turned away and the District is able to expand their capacity to help, according to officials.