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WASHINGTON — Federal agencies are heightening their focus on immigration enforcement as the Trump administration moves aggressively to fulfill the president’s commitment to combat illegal immigration and facilitate mass deportations. This extensive initiative encompasses not only the Department of Homeland Security but also numerous other federal entities, signifying an overarching government-wide effort that places immigration high on the agenda of multiple Cabinet agencies.
President Trump’s ambitious promises have led to a unified government approach toward immigration enforcement. Essentially, nearly every significant Cabinet agency is now functioning in some capacity as an immigration enforcement body, reflecting the administration’s priority.
Agencies including the Departments of State, Defense, and Justice are prioritizing immigration in both their operations and public communications, with Treasury and Health and Human Services also contributing. This focus is likely to increase, especially following the president’s recent executive order aimed at eliminating federal benefits for individuals living in the U.S. illegally.
Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh from the Migration Policy Institute pointed out that the range of activities observed during these initial weeks surpasses what was seen in the first term of the Trump administration. This expansive focus translates into various initiatives across federal entities aimed at enforcing immigration policies.
State Department’s Role in Immigration Enforcement
Trump’s promises of “mass deportations” not only involve detaining individuals living in the U.S. unlawfully but also the systematic process of extracting them from the country. The State Department plays a vital role in this equation.
Marco Rubio made immigration the centerpiece of his inaugural international trip as Secretary of State, engaging with Central American nations like Guatemala, Panama, and El Salvador to broker agreements that allow for the repatriation of deportees. Addressing the reluctance of other countries to accept their citizens when deported remains a significant challenge.
While Rubio tackled multiple issues during his trip, including geopolitical concerns, migration was the primary focus. Tom Warrick, formerly a senior figure at DHS and now with the Atlantic Council, emphasized how the State Department is now tasked with prioritizing immigration issues that were previously less prominent.
Christopher Landau, who served as the ambassador to Mexico from 2019 to 2021, has continued to focus on immigration issues within the State Department, particularly regarding the implementation of policies such as Remain in Mexico. His bilingual skills also reflect the administration’s strategic emphasis on immigration.
The State Department has recently authorized 600 agents from its Diplomatic Security Service to support enforcement actions related to arresting and deporting individuals in the country unlawfully, underscoring the heightened urgency surrounding immigration enforcement.
Military Involvement in Border Security
The Defense Department has been involved in border security operations since the Bush administration, but the current administration has extended these actions significantly. Troop deployments at the U.S.-Mexico border have been amplified, with military assets supporting various operational capabilities beyond traditional roles.
Under this administration, the Pentagon has utilized Air Force aircraft for deportation flights, marking a substantial shift in operational methods. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth indicated that all military resources are available to assist with border security measures, including flights from Guantanamo Bay for deportation operations, although details on the deportees have been scarce.
The executive orders issued by the administration outline several potential strategies for the Defense Department regarding immigration enforcement and border security. Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the southern border could pave the way for reallocating funds for border wall projects and further explore military involvement in local law enforcement.
There is a prevailing sentiment among the public that military involvement should remain discreet; however, should their presence increase visibly, public perception might shift in favor of more separation between military and civilian operations, especially concerning arrests.
Attorney General’s Focus on Sanctuary Cities
In a swift move following her inauguration, Attorney General Pam Bondi targeted so-called sanctuary cities, which are jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement. She initiated lawsuits against New York and Illinois, challenging their state laws that facilitate driver’s licenses for individuals who might be undocumented.
Bondi emphasized the administration’s revamped approach within the Department of Justice as a response to perceived threats posed by these sanctuary policies. Federal agencies including the FBI, ATF, and DEA have joined forces in high-profile ICE operations aimed at locating and detaining undocumented migrants.
Putzel-Kavanaugh noted that these agencies are now engaged in immigration enforcement agendas that have become the focal point of the DOJ’s operations, emphasizing a notable shift from past practices that were primarily aligned with their original mandates.
The DOJ has also mobilized its Bureau of Prisons to support ICE’s detention capacity, reflecting the broader integration of immigration enforcement across multiple agencies.
Involvement of Other Federal Entities
The internal dynamics of immigration enforcement initiatives have expanded to include the Internal Revenue Service, which has been enlisted to investigate employers suspected of illegal hiring practices as well as monitoring undocumented immigrants. Additionally, the administration has recently halted a program from the Department of Health and Human Services that previously provided legal assistance to unaccompanied migrant children.
Looking ahead, Krikorian indicated that the Department of Labor may enhance its involvement as the administration increases its focus on workplace enforcement strategies. Concerns are also mounting among advocates within the Education Department, particularly regarding potential uses of student loan information to identify undocumented workers.
In the executive order signed recently, the objective is to revoke taxpayer-funded benefits for individuals living in the U.S. without legal status. Although specifics regarding the targeted benefits remain vague, it is well established that most illegal immigrants do not have access to public benefits, with some exceptions like emergency medical care. However, a Supreme Court ruling has guaranteed that children receive free public education regardless of their immigration status.
This new executive directive tasks all federal departments and agencies with identifying expenditures that contravene a 1996 welfare law that restricts most public assistance for undocumented individuals.
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