Here’s what Trump’s DHS is thinking.
The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly making significant changes to how immigration laws are enforced, raising new questions about whether federal authorities are quietly pulling back from the aggressive tactics once associated with President Donald Trump’s border agenda.
According to a report from NewsNation, DHS is shifting away from broad immigration raids and instead directing agents to focus primarily on illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes. The updated approach represents a move toward more targeted enforcement rather than large, high-visibility operations.
Sources familiar with the changes say teams operating under U.S. Border Patrol Commander at Large Gregory Bovino are being instructed to prioritize individuals with criminal convictions, including those linked to violent or repeat offenses.
As part of the adjustment, federal agents are expected to reduce large-scale raids at public locations such as Home Depot parking lots and similar gathering areas. These operations, which previously drew heavy media coverage and legal scrutiny, will reportedly play a smaller role going forward.
In past enforcement efforts, individuals were sometimes targeted based on factors such as location, language, accent, or appearance—practices that sparked lawsuits, protests, and accusations of overreach. The new strategy is said to place greater emphasis on confirmed criminal histories rather than broad sweeps.
Border Patrol agents will still carry out traffic stops and routine enforcement actions. However, according to NewsNation, widespread street-level apprehensions of random individuals suspected of being in the country illegally are now less likely.
The reported shift comes as public opinion on immigration enforcement has become more divided. Recent polling suggests declining approval of President Trump’s handling of immigration. A Public Religion Research Institute survey found approval fell from 42 percent in March to 33 percent in more recent polling.
Other polling points in the same direction. A recent YouGov survey found that more than half of Americans now say they oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions associated with President Trump’s immigration policies. Separately, research conducted by KFF in partnership with The New York Times showed that roughly half of immigrants surveyed reported feeling less secure, along with their family members, during Trump’s presidency—data often referenced by opponents of tougher immigration enforcement.
Despite the reported changes, immigration enforcement has not stopped. Border Patrol has conducted operations this year in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte. Several of these actions sparked protests and lawsuits from activist groups and local officials who argue federal agents exceeded their authority.
At the same time, DHS officials say some enforcement initiatives will continue without interruption. A major operation in New Orleans, known as “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” is moving forward. According to NewsNation, more than 250 arrests have already been made, and DHS aims to reach as many as 5,000 apprehensions.
For supporters of tougher border security, the evolving enforcement strategy has fueled concerns that immigration laws are being selectively enforced—or that ICE and Border Patrol are being quietly constrained. As the administration navigates legal challenges, political pressure, and public opinion, the future of large-scale immigration enforcement remains an open question.
