On January 7, 2024, a U.S. Border Patrol agent observed immigrants boarding a bus after they crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas, highlighting the ongoing challenges and changes in immigration enforcement under the new administration of President Trump. Returning to the White House, Trump is poised to implement a rigorous immigration agenda that includes mass deportations and enhanced border security measures, leveraging a significantly expanded Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
During the Biden administration, DHS saw an increase of over 19,000 employees, a shift that was made possible through changes in hiring and retention practices. However, former officials caution that the current staffing levels may still fall short of meeting the ambitious goals set forth by Trump, especially in light of rising migration numbers. The three primary agencies responsible for immigration—Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—have historically struggled with recruitment and retention, often fluctuating with each administration’s policies.
Michael Knowles, executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National Citizenship and Immigration Services Council, expressed concern over the insufficient workforce to handle the legal and public expectations demanded of immigration agencies. He noted that the lack of personnel has long been a significant issue within these agencies.
Despite the increased staffing during Biden’s tenure, the number of employees at ICE actually declined by 72 by the end of his term. This decrease raises questions about the agency’s capacity to fulfill Trump’s plans for heightened enforcement, particularly as ICE is central to the administration’s mass deportation strategy. The agency currently employs around 20,000 individuals, yet only 6,000 are directly involved in removal operations.
In a recent address to DHS staff, newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem emphasized her commitment to providing the necessary resources and training for employees to effectively carry out their duties. She acknowledged the challenges faced by the workforce, particularly as the agency grapples with a surge in migration that has overwhelmed current capabilities.
The challenges are compounded by the fact that morale within DHS has consistently ranked low among federal agencies, with employees often feeling overburdened by their caseloads. Reports indicate that 88% of border stations reported being understaffed during recent migration surges, leading to increased overtime and assignments that negatively impact employee health and morale.
As the Trump administration moves forward with its immigration enforcement strategies, the need for additional funding from Congress has become increasingly urgent. Trump has already implemented a hiring freeze for federal positions, with exceptions made for immigration enforcement roles. DHS is also seeking to empower other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Marshals and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to assist in identifying and apprehending undocumented immigrants.
With an ambitious agenda ahead, Trump and his administration face the dual challenge of ramping up enforcement while ensuring that immigration agencies are adequately staffed and supported. The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on both the political will to secure necessary funding and the ability to attract and retain a capable workforce in a field that has seen significant turnover and dissatisfaction in recent years.