WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is reassigning at least half the top leadership at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices across the U.S., indicating a major shake-up in the enforcement of immigration policies. According to officials, 12 field office directors responsible for immigration enforcement will be reassigned, with various replacements coming from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and within ICE.
This reorganization reflects a broader review of the agency which aims to integrate Border Patrol agents more closely within ICE operations. While specific cities impacted by these changes remain unspecified, major immigration enforcement hubs such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington are included.
The reasons behind these changes are not immediately clear, but they signal an escalated commitment to stricter immigration enforcement amid allegations that agencies like CBP have used heavy-handed tactics. Under the administration, CBP has been heavily involved in immigration operations far beyond their traditional border duties, evidenced by controversial tactics employed in urban areas.
This personnel shuffle marks the third major change to ICE leadership since President Trump took office, exemplifying the agency's crucial role in the president's hardline immigration agenda. While spokespeople for both Homeland Security and the White House have not commented on the specifics of the reassignment, they assured the public that all elements of the immigration framework are ‘working as one team’.
With a total of 25 field offices nationwide, these changes reflect a substantial turnover in the officials responsible for carrying out the administration's policy, which has triggered widespread fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities.
ICE continues to claim their operations involve targeted enforcement strategies, although these often lead to significant public backlash and debate concerning excessive force. The ongoing reshuffle indicates the administration's persistent focus on remaking immigration enforcement as it moves forward.
