The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now include armed officers who possess the power to arrest and conduct searches, following a new regulation introduced under former President Donald Trump's administration. According to an official statement released by USCIS on Thursday, the final rule grants the agency comprehensive law enforcement powers as delegated by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem.
These newly assigned officers, designated as special agents 1811, will have the ability to investigate, detain, carry firearms, execute judicial orders, and file charges against individuals violating immigration laws. "USCIS has always been a law enforcement agency. This significant milestone will enable us to better tackle immigration-related crimes, hold fraud perpetrators accountable, and serve as a force multiplier for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)," stated Joseph B. Edlow, the agency's director, as quoted in the release.
Empowering USCIS: A Shift in Enforcement Dynamics
The reform also endows USCIS with the authority to order expedited removals and investigate both civil and criminal violations within its jurisdiction, eliminating the need to transfer cases to the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division of ICE. This adjustment allows ICE, HSI, and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) to focus on combating transnational crime and deporting undocumented immigrants, while USCIS takes on the task of handling immigration fraud cases and executing deportations.
The agency has announced plans to recruit and train these new special agents. The rule is set to take effect 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
Additionally, USCIS has recently declared a significant change in its payment methods for immigration procedures, impacting both citizens and applicants for visas, permanent residencies, and other immigration statuses.
Understanding USCIS's New Enforcement Role
What new powers have been granted to USCIS officers?
USCIS officers now have the authority to investigate, detain, carry firearms, execute judicial orders, and file charges against individuals violating immigration laws.
How will this rule affect the responsibilities of ICE?
With USCIS taking over certain enforcement duties, ICE, HSI, and ERO can concentrate on tackling transnational crime and deporting undocumented immigrants.
When will the new rule for USCIS officers take effect?
The rule will become effective 30 days following its publication in the Federal Register.