Federal Agencies Strengthen Actions in Sanctuary Cities: What’s Happening?

Man holding signed document with three visible flags

President Trump empowers federal agencies to crack down on illegal immigration, focusing on sanctuary cities.

Key Takeaways

  • Trump administration authorizes DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals to make immigration arrests.
  • New policy targets sanctuary cities and aims to expedite deportations.
  • Catch-and-release practice abolished, replaced with immediate deportation to Mexico.
  • ICE operations have resulted in 538 arrests, including 308 in sanctuary cities.
  • Expanded expedited removal allows deportation without an immigration judge for certain cases.

Trump Administration Bolsters Immigration Enforcement

In a significant move to tighten immigration controls, the Trump administration has expanded the authority of federal agencies to conduct immigration arrests. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Marshals Service have been empowered to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in apprehending and deporting illegal immigrants.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman has granted these federal agents the same authority as Homeland Security and the FBI in dealing with illegal immigrants. This expansion aims to free up ICE agents and increase immigration-related arrests nationwide, with a particular focus on sanctuary cities.

Crackdown on Sanctuary Cities and Illegal Immigrants

The new directives have already shown results, with ICE recently conducting operations that led to 538 arrests of illegal immigrant criminals, including 308 arrests in sanctuary cities. These operations targeted serious offenders, including attempted murderers, child molesters, gang members, and rapists.

“It makes perfect sense,” said retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director Peter Forcelli. “It’s breathtaking, both in terms of substance and just how many actions they’re taking right out of the gate. How far-reaching the impact and harm will be, but also just in terms of the sheer willingness to break the law and attempt to unilaterally rewrite the Constitution. The administration has also implemented significant changes at the U.S.-Mexico border. These include canceling CBP One appointments, shutting down the processing of migrants and asylum seekers, and restarting the “Remain in Mexico” program. Humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have been terminated.

Expanded Deportation Powers and Legal Challenges

Secretary Huffman has expanded expedited removal nationwide, allowing for deportation without an immigration judge for those unable to prove over two years of U.S. residency. This policy is currently being challenged in federal court by pro-immigrant advocates.

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 U.S. legally under Biden-era programs. The impact on other groups, such as Afghans and Ukrainians admitted under parole, remains unclear.

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