WASHINGTON, D.C. — Acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive on Thursday granting new authority to Department of Justice (DOJ) law enforcement agencies to assist in mass deportations. This move is a critical step toward fulfilling President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to ramp up immigration enforcement.
The directive authorizes officials from the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Federal Bureau of Prisons to investigate and detain individuals who are in the country illegally. Announcing the order, Acting Secretary Huffman tied the decision to concerns over crime and border security.
“Mobilizing these law enforcement officials will help fulfill President Trump’s promise to the American people to carry out mass deportations,” Huffman stated. “For decades, efforts to find and apprehend illegal aliens have not been given proper resources. This is a major step in fixing that problem.”
The directive comes as the Senate confirmed former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the new DHS Secretary on Saturday, with a vote of 59–34. Secretary Noem, the first woman to lead South Dakota and now the eighth DHS Secretary, emphasized her commitment to President Trump’s border security priorities.
“As the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I will work every day to keep all Americans safe and secure,” she said in a statement following her confirmation. “One of my top priorities is achieving President Trump’s mandate from the American people to secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system.”
Noem, who was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, vowed to strengthen immigration enforcement, enhance intelligence capabilities, and ensure rapid disaster response. “Together, we will ensure that the United States, once again, is a beacon of freedom, safety, and security for generations to come,” she added.
An accomplished leader, Noem brings to the role extensive political experience as a former U.S. Representative and South Dakota’s governor, as well as a background in agriculture and small business. Her leadership is expected to play a pivotal role as the DHS implements the administration’s intensified immigration policies and other national security measures.
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