24.01.2025 09:50
U.S. President Donald Trump granted federal agencies broad powers to combat illegal immigration. Agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, DEA, ATF, and FBI are now equipped with the authority to apprehend immigrants. Additional troop deployments will also be carried out for border security.
U.S. President Donald Trump has granted federal agencies broad powers to combat illegal immigration. Hundreds of immigrants have been detained in operations launched across the country.
According to an internal memorandum obtained by the Wall Street Journal, federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, DEA, ATF, and FBI will now have the authority to apprehend immigrants. These agencies were previously only able to intervene in immigration cases in special circumstances, such as arms and drug trafficking.
Additionally, 1,500 more soldiers will be deployed to the region for border security. Currently, there are 2,500 federal soldiers and 4,500 National Guard members operating in the area.
Tom Homan, known as Trump's "border czar," announced that 308 illegal immigrants were apprehended on the first day of operations. It was noted that among those captured were suspects of murder and child abuse.
The Trump administration, which has taken strict measures on immigration policy, has also canceled the asylum appointment system that was in place during the Biden era. With the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy, those applying for asylum will wait in Mexico for the outcome of their cases.
The Mexican government is building temporary shelters in the city of Matamoros in preparation for possible mass deportation operations. Trump stated that he could use the military for immigrant apprehension operations within the country if necessary.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security announced that operations will continue and that measures will be increased.