The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has undergone significant changes under the Trump administration, particularly in its approach to immigration enforcement. A New York Times investigation reveals that thousands of federal agents have been reassigned from their standard duties to prioritize the arrest of undocumented immigrants. This shift has disrupted various essential law enforcement initiatives within the department.

Agents who typically investigate serious crimes, such as sexual exploitation of children, have been diverted to immigration enforcement for extended periods. This reallocation has hindered their ability to pursue child predators effectively. Additionally, national security investigations, including those targeting the illicit Iranian oil market linked to terrorism financing, have faced delays due to the diversion of resources towards immigration-related tasks, allowing illicit activities to persist.

Efforts to combat human smuggling and sex trafficking have also been adversely affected, as investigators are redirected to assist with deportation processes. The impact of these changes extends to the U.S. Coast Guard, which has repurposed aircraft to transport immigrants between detention facilities, and to the DHS law enforcement academy, where training for various agencies has been postponed to accommodate the influx of new immigration officers.

Internal DHS documents, including workload statistics and arrest records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, support these findings. Interviews with over 65 current and former federal officials, many of whom requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, further illustrate the extent of these changes.

Moreover, the emphasis on deportation has led to increased pressure on DHS staff from White House officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, to boost arrest numbers. Despite this focus, it has been reported that less than 40 percent of individuals arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have prior criminal convictions. As of August, over 60,000 individuals remain detained by DHS, with no indication of a reduction in this number.

While many government agencies have faced budget cuts, DHS has received increased funding, with plans to expand ICE's workforce by 66 percent in the coming years. Concerns have been raised by experts, such as computer scientist Hany Farid, regarding the reallocation of resources, which undermines efforts to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children. Additionally, operations like "Charlotte's Web" have been initiated, deploying federal immigration enforcement agents in cities with significant immigrant populations, drawing criticism from local officials for instilling fear within communities and targeting individuals without criminal records. Protests have emerged in response to these actions, highlighting the tension between federal enforcement priorities and local community safety.