U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. held a press conference on May 13 at the Patrick Henry Building in Washington, D.C., to discuss his tenure and address issues related to the district's Home Rule ordinance and recent immigration actions.
"When President Donald J. Trump asked me to be his U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, I immediately accepted because I knew it was a tip of the spear assignment—and I knew if I did the job the way President Trump wanted done, it would get plenty of attention—and so has," said Martin.
Martin announced that he has been assigned a new role as Director of the Weaponization Working Group and DOJ Pardon Attorney by President Trump. He expressed confidence in Judge Jeanine Pirro, who will succeed him as D.C.'s U.S. Attorney, stating, "I loved my job as D.C.’s U.S. Attorney, but I am really going to love how judge Jeanine Pirro takes up mission with her passion and intelligence and real-world experience as a prosecutor and judge."
During his remarks, Martin highlighted two main concerns: success in combating illegal immigration and issues within the justice system regarding court decisions on crime-related cases.
"We have recently completed an illegal immigration initiative," Martin stated while commending law enforcement efforts that resulted in capturing 189 illegal aliens in one week alone.
He also criticized local leadership for making D.C. a Sanctuary City, warning residents that this decision makes the city more dangerous.
Martin raised concerns about court decisions allowing Fentanyl dealers found with guns to remain free, describing such decisions as "soft on crime" and "dangerous." He emphasized that reducing crime requires focused efforts from law enforcement and prosecutors.
"The president was gracious recently to remind people we reduced crime 25 percent in the president’s first 100 Days—but it was not easy," he noted.
Martin concluded by urging discussions about D.C.'s Sanctuary City status and its justice system ahead of America250 celebrations: "As we approach the president’s America250 celebration, there needs to be a robust discussion about D.C.’s Sanctuary City status and its justice system —and if that means Home Rule goes away, so be it."
He then opened the floor for questions from attendees.
