How the Trump Era Changed Federal Power in Immigration Control

Person in blue suit holding signed document in ceremony

President Trump’s administration unleashes sweeping changes to immigration enforcement, expanding federal authority and targeting sanctuary cities.

Quick Takes

Trump administration grants expanded immigration enforcement powers to DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals
New policies aim to streamline arrests and deportations, particularly in sanctuary cities
Catch-and-release protocol terminated, with migrants now being immediately returned to Mexico
ICE operations target serious offenders, including gang members and violent criminals
Legal challenges mount as pro-immigrant advocates contest new policies in federal court

Expanded Federal Authority in Immigration Enforcement

The Trump administration has implemented significant changes to U.S. immigration policy, granting expanded authority to federal agencies traditionally not involved in immigration enforcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Marshals Service now have the power to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in making immigration arrests and processing deportations.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman has granted these federal agents the same authority as Homeland Security and the FBI when dealing with illegal immigrants. This move aims to free up ICE agents and increase immigration-related arrests nationwide, particularly in sanctuary cities that have been resistant to federal immigration enforcement efforts.

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

Targeting Sanctuary Cities and Serious Offenders

The new policies have already shown results, with ICE recently making 538 arrests of illegal migrant criminals, including 308 arrests in sanctuary cities. These operations have targeted serious offenders, including attempted murderers, child molesters, gang members, and rapists. The administration’s focus on sanctuary cities is seen as a crucial component of their broader immigration strategy.

Retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director Peter Forcelli, who previously described federal agents as “powerless” in immigration matters, now supports the expanded authority. This shift in policy is intended to create a more effective deterrent against illegal border crossings by streamlining arrest and deportation proceedings.

Reversing Biden-Era Policies

The Trump administration has also taken steps to reverse several Biden-era immigration policies. The CBP One app, which was used to process migrants at legal crossings, has been shut down. The “Remain in Mexico” program has been restarted, and humanitarian parole programs for citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have been terminated.

Additionally, 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. This policy change affects at least 1.5 million migrants who entered the U.S. legally under Biden-era programs.

Legal Challenges and Controversies

These sweeping changes have not been without controversy. Pro-immigrant advocates are challenging the expanded expedited removal policy in federal court. The administration’s declaration that the U.S. is under “invasion” to justify banning undocumented entries has also raised legal questions.

The impact on other groups, such as Afghans and Ukrainians admitted under parole, remains unclear. As these new policies continue to unfold, their effectiveness in deterring illegal immigration and their broader implications for U.S. immigration policy will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.