President-elect Donald Trump has outlined plans to reassign U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to more active roles, moving many from desk jobs back into the field.
This shift is part of his broader immigration enforcement strategy, which aims to prioritize arresting undocumented migrants who have crossed the U.S. border illegally.
According to sources speaking to The New York Post, a significant portion of ICE officers have been working in administrative roles rather than on the frontlines of immigration enforcement, a situation the incoming administration seeks to rectify.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to implement mass deportations, a goal that has raised concerns from critics. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported encounters with nearly 11 million migrants over the past four years, some believe the actual number may be even higher.
As the transition to the Trump administration approaches, city leaders in sanctuary cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, have vowed to resist cooperation with federal efforts to enforce immigration laws.
Los Angeles’ new Police Chief, Jim McDonnell, emphasized that the LAPD would not assist in deportations, while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed concerns that Trump’s policies would disproportionately target vulnerable communities, including Black families.
Tom Homan, Trump’s designated “border czar,” has made it clear that his team will push ahead with the plan, including sending additional ICE agents to sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate.
Homan warned that if cities like New York do not offer assistance, the administration would increase the number of agents sent to enforce immigration laws.
ICE currently employs just over 21,000 individuals, though there are numerous vacancies that need to be filled. In his first week, Homan plans to visit both the U.S. northern and southern borders to meet with border agents and assess their needs for enhanced enforcement efforts.