The Department of Homeland Security is allowing some law enforcement components of the Department of Justice to perform the “functions” of an immigration officer, according to a new memo from Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffeman.
Huffeman’s memo, obtained by ABC News, said the order gives the agencies “the same authority already given to the FBI.” He said agents can enforce immigration law.
The agencies listed in the memo are the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the US Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The DEA and ATF have historically had little experience in immigration enforcement. Historically, US Marshals have only gotten involved when there has been a migrant who has become a fugitive.
Earlier this week, federal immigration officials announced they would be allowed to raid schools and churches after President Donald Trump rescinded a directive banning arrests in “sensitive” areas.
DHS announced Tuesday that it would roll back the policy for “law enforcement in or around so-called sensitive areas.”
Schools and houses of worship were once considered off limits, as were hospitals, funerals, weddings and public demonstrations, but no longer after the announcement.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not handcuff our brave law enforcement officers, and instead trusts them to use common sense,” Huffeman said Tuesday.
