US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially been granted expanded law enforcement authority under a final rule published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This rule empowers newly designated USCIS 1811 special agents to investigate, arrest, and present for prosecution individuals who violate US immigration laws.
Under the new regulation, USCIS agents are authorized to:
- Make arrests
- Carry firearms
- Execute search and arrest warrants
- Conduct investigations into civil and criminal immigration violations
The rule also enables USCIS to initiate expedited removal proceedings and manage investigations internally, reducing reliance on Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) within US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This shift allows ICE to focus on transnational crime and deportation operations, while USCIS handles fraud and backlog cases.
Recruitment and Implementation
USCIS plans to recruit and train special agents to carry out these expanded duties. The rule will take effect 30 days from its publication in the Federal Register.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.