A new nationwide immigration operation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reshaping the priorities of federal law enforcement, as President Donald Trump’s administration pushes for mass deportations. The operation, named “Operation At Large,” aims to ramp up arrests of unauthorized immigrants and has already involved more than 5,000 personnel from federal agencies, with plans to deploy 21,000 National Guard troops.
The crackdown follows a mid-May meeting where White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller pressured ICE officials to increase arrests, threatening to fire those not meeting a target of 3,000 daily detentions. This move marks a significant escalation in Trump’s effort to intensify immigration enforcement.
Operation At Large: A Massive Federal Deployment
The scope of “Operation At Large” is expansive. The operation involves ICE agents, FBI officers, U.S. Marshals, DEA personnel, and members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with 250 IRS agents who may also play a role in identifying immigrants using tax information. The Department of Homeland Security has also requested the National Guard’s assistance, though approval from state governors and the Department of Defense is still pending.
One of the most controversial aspects of the operation is the reallocation of resources from other critical national security missions to immigration enforcement. Law enforcement officials have expressed frustration that this shift detracts from their primary duties, including investigations into transnational crime and terrorism.
Changing the Focus of Federal Law Enforcement
The Trump administration’s focus on immigration is fundamentally altering the way federal agencies operate. Traditionally, the FBI and other law enforcement bodies have avoided becoming involved in noncriminal immigration enforcement. However, under this new approach, FBI agents have been reassigned to assist ICE operations, often targeting individuals with administrative immigration warrants, rather than criminal charges.
Prosecutors also report that immigration status is now a central factor in charging decisions. Cases involving nonviolent criminal offenses are being delayed or deprioritized if the individual in question is undocumented, and at least one U.S. attorney’s office has declined to pursue a criminal case because it lacked an immigration component.
Potential Long-Term Impact on U.S. Law Enforcement
This shift in priorities could have lasting implications for the broader criminal justice system. By reallocating resources to immigration enforcement, key investigations into other types of crime may face delays. For example, a law enforcement official noted that issues which once took a few days to resolve may now take weeks due to the focus on immigration.
Additionally, the FBI’s involvement in immigration operations has led to concerns about its role in enforcement actions. Typically, the FBI handles criminal investigations, not administrative immigration violations. This has prompted criticism from some officers who believe their agency’s involvement could undermine its primary mission.
The Trump Administration’s Immigration Strategy
Despite the growing controversy, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the administration’s actions, asserting that enforcing immigration laws is a matter of national security. She pointed to recent events, including an alleged antisemitic attack in Colorado by an Egyptian national who had overstayed his visa, to emphasize the need for strict immigration enforcement.
While the administration continues to push for mass deportations, there is growing concern about the efficiency and feasibility of these efforts. Whether the Trump administration will meet its ambitious goal of detaining 3,000 migrants per day remains uncertain. Despite limited reports of arrests, including some on social media, comprehensive daily arrest statistics are no longer publicly available.
President Trump’s focus on immigration has irrevocably shifted the landscape of U.S. federal law enforcement. While the administration claims it is making strides in deporting undocumented immigrants, the restructuring of resources and the prioritization of immigration over other criminal investigations raise questions about the long-term effects on the U.S. justice system. As “Operation At Large” continues, the balance between national security and law enforcement’s broader responsibilities remains a contentious issue.
Related topics:
- Portugal Faces Long-Term Challenges Amid Immigration Surge, Minister Warns
- ICE Arrests at Sacramento Courts Spark Immigrant Fears
- Portugal’s Migration Policies Create “Open-Air Prison” for Migrants
