
The Trump administration has taken a major step to increase immigration enforcement by granting new authority to federal law enforcement agencies to assist in locating and detaining illegal immigrants. A directive signed by acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman expands enforcement responsibilities beyond traditional immigration agencies.
The order authorizes officers from the U.S. Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bureau of Prisons to participate in immigration-related operations. These agencies, which typically focus on federal crimes such as drug trafficking and fugitive apprehension, will now support ICE in enforcing immigration laws.
Is this a much better use of @ATFHQ agents?@realDonaldTrump is trying to amass a larger force of law-enforcement officials to carry out deportations by granting agents across the federal government the same powers as immigration officershttps://t.co/GC35Igvek7
— John R Lott Jr. (@JohnRLottJr) January 23, 2025
Huffman emphasized that this decision is crucial to addressing the challenges left by the previous administration’s weak enforcement policies. She noted that law enforcement officials will now have additional support to carry out their duties more efficiently.
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
With the inclusion of these agencies, an estimated 31,000 officers are expected to be available to assist ICE and Border Patrol, providing a substantial boost to existing enforcement efforts. This marks an 80% increase in personnel dedicated to immigration enforcement.
🚨 BREAKING:
President Trump has now given the ATF, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service the ability to arrest illegals, per WSJ..
This instantly added almost TEN THOUSAND new federal agents to the deportation squad…
They’re ALL going back ! pic.twitter.com/eJRRoQitdK
— Viktorija (@TrumpGirl44) January 25, 2025
Authorities have already reported success with these new efforts, with recent operations leading to the arrest of over 500 illegal immigrants, including individuals involved in gang activity and violent crimes. Officials are focusing on sanctuary cities where local governments have previously resisted federal immigration enforcement.
Trump grants deportation powers to ATF, DEA, and U.S. Marshals! 🇺🇸 Agencies tackling drugs and weapons now stepping into immigration enforcement. The border fight just leveled up. pic.twitter.com/Aa2HxECT3r
— TexanonXâ„¢ (@TexanonX) January 23, 2025
The administration remains committed to removing individuals who have entered the country illegally, with further actions expected in the near future.
🚨Update: Trump empowers all Justice Department agents to deport illegal migrants — WSJ. The newspaper noted that DEA and ATF employees had not been involved in immigration enforcement, except where there are gun-related or drug-trafficking crimes!! pic.twitter.com/dSr4bu8OqB
— US Homeland Security News (@defense_civil25) January 23, 2025