Trump administration targets dissenting state officials on immigration crackdown
The administration of President Donald Trump has instructed U.S. prosecutors to start criminal investigations against state and local officials who refuse to enforce immigration laws.
According to a document obtained by Reuters and CNN, a new Department of Justice memo outlines the Trump administration's plans to "prosecute state and local officials who resist the federal immigration crackdown".
In the three-page memo, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emile Bove also states that federal prosecutors who refuse to initiate proceedings in immigration cases will be immediately reported to the Department of Justice for investigation and potential charges.
Rapid changes in immigration policy
Reuters notes that the atmosphere surrounding crackdowns initiated by Trump since his inauguration is intensifying.
CNN adds that the memo is just one example of how President Trump began changing American immigration policy early in his administration. During his presidential campaign, Trump promised to reduce immigration and reverse the Biden-era policies, which he argued were too lenient and allowed for a large influx of illegal immigrants.
