In a significant move to strengthen border security and expedite deportations, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has authorized up to 600 State Department officials to act as immigration officers. This initiative is part of a broader government effort under the Trump administration to address illegal immigration.
Secretary Noem's order empowers these special agents within the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service to participate in the apprehension and removal of individuals residing in the country illegally. This action follows other recent collaborations with agencies like the IRS, Justice Department law enforcement components, and Texas Attorney General’s Office, reflecting the administration's commitment to leveraging all available resources for immigration enforcement.
ICE agents apprehended several individuals during a workforce operation. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
This expansion of immigration enforcement authority comes amid a reported surge in interior arrests compared to the same period in 2024, coupled with a downward trend in illegal border crossings. Data from DHS indicates a substantial increase in interior ICE arrests between January 20 and February 8 compared to the previous year.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. (Getty)
The administration has emphasized its focus on targeting individuals with criminal records and gang affiliations, while maintaining that all individuals residing in the country illegally are subject to potential enforcement actions. Furthermore, increased cooperation with Mexico and Canada, alongside repatriation agreements with Venezuela and Colombia, are key components of the administration’s border security strategy.
In addition to these measures, the administration has taken steps to discontinue Biden-era parole programs and the use of Temporary Protected Status for avoiding deportation. The deployment of military personnel to the border and the utilization of Guantanamo Bay for housing individuals apprehended for immigration violations further demonstrate the administration's commitment to addressing this issue.
