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In a sweeping and controversial expansion of immigration enforcement authority, President Donald Trump’s administration has empowered agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Marshals Service to carry out immigration arrests—actions traditionally limited to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to a report by The New York Times, the policy was enacted on January 23, 2025, through directives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
This expansion is already being felt on the ground. A high-profile incident involved the Democratic mayor of Newark, who was arrested by ICE while inspecting a private detention center under city lawsuit scrutiny. Shockingly, members of Congress present were allegedly pushed and restrained. Civil liberties advocates have expressed alarm over the federal government’s unprecedented use of law enforcement as an immigration dragnet (The Guardian).
Critics argue that the deputization of multiple federal agencies risks conflating criminal law enforcement with civil immigration matters, potentially eroding constitutional protections and straining trust between local communities and law enforcement. Immigration specialists warn of due process violations and the chilling effect on immigrant communities already navigating a complex and often hostile system.
At Spar & Bernstein, we are deeply aware of the fear and confusion these aggressive policy shifts create. Our experienced immigration attorneys are prepared to guide clients through these evolving enforcement priorities, ensuring their rights are protected and exploring all available relief options, including asylum, cancellation of removal, and adjustment of status.
This moment requires not only legal knowledge but also strategic advocacy. We stand ready to defend immigrant families, provide clarity amid uncertainty, and hold government overreach accountable—because immigration justice is civil justice.
For those affected or concerned, we urge you to contact Spar & Bernstein for a personalized consultation and learn how to secure your future amid changing immigration laws.