The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued internal directives to field offices across the country, instructing them to reallocate resources toward assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immigration enforcement operations.

According to internal memos reviewed this week, FBI leadership has decided to shift a significant portion of the agency’s personnel from other investigative priorities to support federal immigration efforts. The initiative includes assigning up to 2,000 agents—or about 45% of the bureau’s field force—to full-time immigration-related duties.

“We have been actively engaged in immigration enforcement in coordination with our partners at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS),” one memo stated. “Now, an increase in field support is required to meet upcoming operational goals.”

FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson confirmed the agency’s continued commitment to collaborating with other federal partners in immigration enforcement.

Nationwide Coordination and Interagency Support

The reallocation of FBI resources is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen immigration enforcement nationwide. Other agencies—including the IRS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of State—have also been called upon to assist in tracking and identifying undocumented individuals, according to recent reports.

One notable legal development in this area includes a federal judge’s decision earlier this month allowing the IRS to provide tax data to assist in immigration investigations, further expanding interagency cooperation.

In addition to federal-level support, more than 450 state and local law enforcement agencies are currently enrolled in the 287(g) program, which allows designated local officers to assist ICE in enforcing federal immigration laws.

Field Operations and Humanitarian Concerns

While the shift in priorities has sparked discussion among legal and immigration experts, agents in the field have already reported impactful outcomes. At a recent event in Washington, D.C., immigration official Tom Homan shared a case in which ICE agents rescued a pregnant 14-year-old girl who had been trafficked and was found living with two adult males.

“She’s now receiving the care she needs—both physically and mentally,” he said. “Cases like this highlight the urgent need for enforcement, especially when vulnerable individuals are being exploited.”

Officials involved in immigration operations have emphasized the importance of addressing human trafficking as a key focus. “It’s something we confront every day, and we’re doing everything we can to stop it,” Homan added.

Recent Trends at the Border

Recent statistics from the Department of Homeland Security show a significant decline in illegal border crossings and undocumented migrant encounters in recent months. DHS reports note a 93% drop in daily encounters and a nearly complete reduction in so-called “gotaways”—individuals who evade detection at the border.

Though estimates vary, officials have indicated there may be millions of undocumented individuals currently residing in the United States, with a portion facing unresolved criminal charges.

Outlook

The FBI’s reassignment of agents represents a notable policy shift in federal law enforcement priorities. As these changes take effect, both field operations and interagency coordination are expected to intensify, with a particular focus on disrupting trafficking networks and supporting humanitarian responses.

The agency has not yet announced how long this focus on immigration enforcement will remain in effect or when standard casework will resume its previous resource levels.