Under a new final rule published today, USCIS will now recruit 1,811-classified special agents—fully empowered officers with authority—to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals violating U.S. immigration laws.
What’s Changed?
- Law Enforcement Authority: The newly designated USCIS special agents are authorized to carry firearms, execute search and arrest warrants, make arrests, and use force—including in pursuit and potentially lethal situations—under standard federal law enforcement protocols.
- Operational Autonomy: Previously, USCIS investigations—especially those involving criminal violations—were referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Enforcement Agency: Now, USCIS itself can manage law enforcement investigations from start to finish, including investigating civil and criminal violations within the jurisdiction of USCIS and ordering expedited removal when warranted.
Implementation Timeline
- The rule is set to take effect on October 6, 2025—marking the official launch of USCIS’s enforcement arm.
What to Expect
- USCIS is preparing to recruit and train its cadre of special agents.
- USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow emphasized that this initiative aims to more effectively address immigration fraud and uphold system integrity while acting as a “force multiplier” for DHS and its partner agencies
“USCIS has always been an enforcement agency. By upholding the integrity of our immigration system, we enforce the laws of this nation. As Secretary Noem delegated lawful authorities to expand the agency’s law enforcement capabilities, this rule allows us to fulfill our critical mission. This historic moment will better address immigration crimes, hold those that perpetrate immigration fraud accountable, and act as a force multiplier for DHS and our federal law enforcement partners, including the Joint Terrorism Task Force,” said the new USCIS Director.
This marks a dramatic evolution in the agency’s mission and day-to-day operations, bringing a law enforcement component to what has traditionally been a civilian, service-focused immigration agency.
To read the announcement, please click here.
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Helpful Links
- USCIS to Add Special Agents with New Law Enforcement Authorities
- Final Rule: Codification of Certain U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Law Enforcement Authorities
- Annual Limit Reached in the EB-2 Category
- September Visa Bulletin
- Adjustment of Status Filing Dates from Visa Bulletin
- Know your Rights if ICE visits your home or workplace
- Know your Rights Card (English)
- Know your Rights Card (Spanish)
- ICE Online Detainee Locator System
- ICE Immigration Detention Facilities
- USCIS Processing Times
- ImmigrationLawyerBlog
- ImmigrationU Membership
- Success stories
- Youtube channel
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