Federal agents from the IRS and refugee services are aiding ICE in executing raids

The Trump administration is intensifying its efforts to detain and deport undocumented immigrants, with multiple agencies joining forces to strengthen immigration enforcement.

In a significant move, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is offering 100 Federal Air Marshals to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). TSA agents will conduct in-flight security functions for ICE flights, using ICE's authorities and protocols. This marks the first time TSA agents are involved in immigration enforcement.

Meanwhile, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is also lending a hand. Around 250 IRS agents are currently detailed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide added immigration enforcement manpower. This is the first time IRS agents are conducting such work in immigration enforcement. They are currently assisting with immigration enforcement operations beyond their usual financial and tax investigations. IRS agents have been authorized under Title 8 of the U.S. Code to make arrests for civil violations of immigration law.

The Financial Crime Police of the US Tax Authority has also joined the effort, collaborating with the Department of the Interior to strengthen immigration enforcement. Approximately 250 employees are utilising financial data analysis, investigation of financial crimes, and possibly integrating their expertise in tracking illicit financial flows related to immigration violations. The exact detailed functional descriptions are not explicitly provided, but the collaboration is aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of immigration task forces.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is also contributing significantly. USCIS employees are working on administrative matters for ICE, such as verifying immigrant status and correcting information. Fifty employees from the refugee office of USCIS have signed up for assignments with ICE, making up nearly one-quarter of the office. USCIS is proud to support ICE and is offering hundreds of employees with expertise to help enforce immigration laws and address national security threats.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is also sending its personnel to aid ICE in targeted operations in the Los Angeles area. The efforts have led to widespread protests and increased violence against federal officers and agents.

Agencies within and outside DHS are soliciting employees to help with the renewed crackdown. The TSA agents will serve on 60-day assignments for their initial details. USCIS employees are being encouraged to sign up for ICE deployments, as they did in 2019.

This collaborative approach to immigration enforcement is spearheaded by ICE within the Homeland Security Department. Raids are taking place at worksites, farms, nightclubs, residential areas, federal buildings, and court hearings or check-ins. The aim is to protect America's national security, public safety, and economic strength.