WASHINGTON – In a significant move towards restructuring, the Justice Department is proposing the consolidation of two key federal law enforcement agencies, namely the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This proposal, reviewed in a memo, aims at integrating these two entities under a single umbrella to enhance efficiency in managing resources, coordinating cases, and regulating efforts.
The initiative is part of a broader endeavor by the government to streamline federal operations, a strategy that has already instigated numerous legal disputes. The administration has directed various federal departments to devise strategies aimed at slashing employee numbers and amalgamating programs.
A central aspect of this plan is the potential merger of the DEA and ATF. These agencies, although often collaborating with each other as well as with the FBI, are independently managed and have specialized missions. However, the specifics concerning the method of their unification, or the potential impact on staffing levels, remain undisclosed.
Currently, the ATF is responsible for investigating crimes such as gun trafficking, arson, and bombings, as well as providing crucial expertise in gun-related investigations. In contrast, the DEA focuses on enforcing national drug laws, targeting criminal drug syndicates, and managing the illegal distribution of substances like fentanyl.
Questions have emerged about ATF’s future following the appointment of FBI Director Kash Patel as the acting overseer of the agency, a move that has stirred criticisms, particularly from conservative quarters that have traditionally been critical of ATF’s role in firearm regulation. A prominent gun control advocacy group, Giffords, has expressed concerns over the proposal, arguing that reducing ATF’s operational resources through this merger equates to defunding the police.
Emma Brown, Executive Director of Giffords, articulated in a statement that ATF’s core mission is crucial in preventing violent gun crimes and maintaining public safety. Collins observed, “Merging these two agencies could diminish resources, thereby hindering efforts to combat gun trafficking and curb illegal arms trade.”
Additionally, the restructuring plan also suggests consolidating policy offices in Washington and shutting down certain field offices nationwide that handle specialized matters like antitrust and environmental issues.
As part of the restructuring, attorneys within the tax division and those dealing with public corruption cases would be redirected to serve under U.S. attorneys’ offices, except for a select group of supervisory lawyers who would continue to operate from Washington.
Earlier reports indicated that personnel within the department’s public integrity section, which manages public corruption cases, were informed of potential new assignments, with a minimal number remaining in their current roles.
Although the proposal is not yet finalized, it has already prompted discussions, and Justice Department officials are expected to present their feedback by April 2. However, there has been no immediate formal statement from the department regarding the strategic plan.