The Trump administration has unleashed a sweeping overhaul of immigration enforcement, granting unprecedented powers to federal agencies in a bid to curb illegal entry and accelerate deportations.
Key Takeaways
- Trump administration has expanded immigration enforcement powers to DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals.
- New policies target sanctuary cities and aim to end “catch-and-release” practices.
- Expedited removal has been expanded nationwide, allowing for quicker deportations.
- The “Remain in Mexico” program has been reinstated, and humanitarian parole programs have ended.
- Legal challenges are expected as these policies face scrutiny from pro-immigrant advocates.
Expanded Federal Powers in Immigration Enforcement
President Trump has authorized the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Marshals to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in making immigration arrests and processing deportations. This move, announced by Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman, grants these federal agents the same authority as Homeland Security and the FBI in dealing with illegal immigrants.
The expansion of powers is designed to free up ICE agents and increase immigration-related arrests nationwide. This strategy particularly targets sanctuary cities, which have been criticized for their non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Recent ICE operations have already shown results, with 538 arrests of illegal migrant criminals, including 308 in sanctuary cities.
The Trump administration has authorized the DEA, ATF and the US Marshals to begin making immigration arrests and processing deportations, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal.
The move gives those federal agents the same authority as those with Homeland Security… pic.twitter.com/nmYYQHgAdT
— Crime In NYC (@CrimeInNYC) January 24, 2025
Reversal of Biden-Era Policies
The Trump administration has taken swift action to dismantle immigration policies implemented during the Biden presidency. A series of executive orders have been issued, canceling programs such as the CBP One app appointments and shutting down the processing of migrants and asylum seekers at the border. The administration has also ended humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
In a controversial move, the administration has declared the U.S. to be under “invasion,” using this justification to ban undocumented entries. This declaration has led to the expansion of U.S. armed forces’ domestic use, with active-duty military personnel deployed to the border.
Expedited Removal and Mass Deportation Efforts
One of the most significant changes is the nationwide expansion of expedited removal. This policy allows for the deportation of individuals without a hearing before an immigration judge if they cannot prove more than two years of continuous residence in the United States. The administration has also initiated a “mass deportation” effort, with plans to expand detention facilities and involve state and local law enforcement in immigration operations.
The administration has also authorized federal immigration authorities to revoke the legal status of migrants allowed into the U.S. by the Biden administration and seek their deportation. This policy change affects at least 1.5 million migrants who entered the country legally under Biden-era programs.
Legal Challenges and International Reactions
As expected, these sweeping changes have not gone unchallenged. Pro-immigrant advocates have already filed lawsuits in federal court, particularly targeting the expanded expedited removal policy. The impact on other groups, such as Afghans and Ukrainians admitted under parole, remains unclear and may lead to further legal scrutiny.
International reactions, particularly from Mexico, have been noted as the U.S. implements these stricter border policies. The reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program and the immediate repatriation of undocumented migrants to Mexico are likely to strain diplomatic relations and require negotiations with neighboring countries.
Sources:
Weekly U.S.-Mexico Border Update: Trump’s First Days
Trump gives ATF, DEA and Marshals new powers to arrest and deport illegal migrants
