Trump Grants Deportation Powers to DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, Adding 10,000 Agents

Jan 23, 2025, 03:07 AM

President Donald Trump has expanded the authority of federal agents to assist in mass deportation efforts, granting the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Marshals Service the power to arrest undocumented immigrants. This move, detailed in an internal memo seen by the Wall Street Journal, aims to increase the number of federal agents involved in deportation operations, with nearly 10,000 agents from these agencies now empowered to act. The expansion follows the initiation of migrant detentions in Denver and the deployment of 1,500 additional troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, Trump has reinstated the 'Remain in Mexico' policy, requiring migrants to wait in Mexico until their U.S. court hearings. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has already arrested 308 undocumented immigrants, with further operations planned. The administration is also targeting sanctuary cities, threatening criminal prosecution for local officials who obstruct immigration enforcement.