Trump Expands Federal Agency Powers to Combat Illegal Immigration and Deport Migrants

Person holding signed document in front of flags

President Trump intensifies efforts to combat illegal immigration, expanding federal agency powers and reversing Biden-era policies.

Quick Takes

  • Trump administration expands authority of DEA, ATF, and US Marshals to conduct immigration arrests
  • “Remain in Mexico” program restarted, humanitarian parole programs ended
  • Mass deportation effort underway, including those who entered legally under Biden-era programs
  • Expedited removal expanded nationwide, allowing quicker deportations
  • Recent ICE operations targeted serious offenders in sanctuary cities

Trump Administration Overhauls Immigration Enforcement

President Donald Trump has launched a comprehensive overhaul of U.S. immigration policies, marking a stark departure from the previous administration’s approach. The changes, implemented through a series of executive orders, aim to strengthen border security and accelerate deportations across the country.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman has issued guidance to implement the new directives, which include shutting down the CBP One app previously used to process migrants at legal crossings. The administration has also declared the U.S. to be under “invasion,” using this as justification for banning undocumented entries.

Expanded Powers for Federal Agencies

In a significant move, 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 expansion aims to free up ICE agents and increase immigration-related arrests nationwide. “It makes perfect sense,” said retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director Peter Forcelli, commenting on the new policy.

The administration has also eliminated protections that previously prevented ICE from entering sensitive locations such as churches and schools. This change, coupled with the expanded authority given to other federal agencies, significantly increases the reach of immigration enforcement efforts.

Mass Deportation and Policy Reversals

A cornerstone of the new approach is a “mass deportation” effort, which includes plans to expand detention facilities and involve state and local law enforcement. The administration has authorized federal immigration authorities to revoke the legal status of migrants allowed into the U.S. by the Biden administration and seek their deportation.

Key policy reversals include the cancellation of CBP One appointments, the shutdown of processing for migrants and asylum seekers, and the restart of the “Remain in Mexico” program. Humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have also been terminated.

Enhanced Border Security and Expedited Removal

The administration has expanded the use of U.S. armed forces domestically, deploying active-duty military personnel to the border. This move complements the broader strategy of strengthening border security and accelerating deportations, particularly in sanctuary cities.

Expedited removal has been expanded nationwide, allowing for the deportation of individuals without an immigration judge hearing if they cannot prove over two years of U.S. residency. This policy change is expected to significantly speed up the deportation process for many undocumented immigrants.

Recent ICE Operations and Legal Challenges

ICE has recently conducted a series of targeted operations, resulting in 538 arrests of illegal migrant criminals, including 308 arrests in sanctuary cities. These operations have focused on serious offenders, including attempted murderers, child molesters, gang members, and rapists.

However, the administration’s actions face legal challenges. Pro-immigrant advocates are contesting the expanded expedited removal policy in federal court. The impact on other groups, such as Afghans and Ukrainians admitted under parole, remains unclear as the situation continues to develop.

Sources:

Weekly U.S.-Mexico Border Update: Trump’s First Days

Trump empowers deportation agents to target migrants Biden administration allowed into the U.S. legally

Trump gives ATF, DEA and Marshals new powers to arrest and deport illegal migrants