Response Center
Real-time analysis of Trump-Vance administration actions, to support legal challenges and provide resources for the pro-democracy community.
The Trump-Vance Administration is trying to
Expand immigration enforcement and prosecutions, and threaten "sanctuary" communities
Let others know:
This omnibus order covers various aspects of interior immigration enforcement, including criminal prosecutions, expanded enforcement, and threats to sanctuary jurisdictions.
Protecting the American People Against Invasion
January 20, 2025
This is an expansive, omnibus-style executive order focused on interior immigration enforcement, and touches on a number of discrete policy issues. First, it revokes the Biden administration's priorities memo, so the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will not focus its resources on people with criminal convictions or people who pose threats to national security. In addition, this order directs the Department of Justice to prioritize prosecuting immigrants for unlawful entry and reentry — which already consumes significant resources for Assistant United States Attorneys along the U.S.-Mexico border. The order directs DHS to expand expedited removal (a fast-track deportation scheme) to its maximum extent, increase fine collection from noncitizens here without authorization, try to expand detention, and re-establish an office focused on crimes committed by noncitizens that existed in Trump's first term. DHS and DOJ are directed to establish a Task Force in each state, and prosecute noncitizens who don't register with the government (which would apply to all undocumented people). The order directs DHS to freeze funding to organizations that serve migrants until an audit is complete, cancel contracts, and even try to take back funds if the organizations don't pass the audit. On the issue of "sanctuary" jurisdictions, this order tells the Attorney General and DHS Secretary to deny them funding to the extent the law allows (which is contested), and tells DHS to issue guidance on existing law. DHS is instructed to expand 287(g) agreements, which allow state and local law enforcement organizations to enforce certain immigration laws in specific circumstances. The order also hints that a type of 287(g) agreement that allows local police and sheriffs to enforce immigration law in the community, while carrying out their law enforcement duties, could be revived after many years. The order directs the State Department, DOJ, and DHS to take a hard look at Temporary Protected Status and work permits, but doesn't rescind them. State and DHS are directed to pressure recalcitrant countries to take their citizens back when the U.S. wants to deport them.
People are fighting back
How communities are responding
Democracy 2025 and our partners are ready to counter threats to people's rights, justice, and equality in courtrooms and communities across the country. Learn more about how people and communities are responding to this harmful policy:
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