USCIS RULE CREATES ARMED SPECIAL AGENTS WITH ARREST POWERS, ICE-LIKE AUTHORITY

USCIS adopted a final rule to create a law-enforcement unit of armed special agents empowered to carry firearms, execute warrants, and make arrests for immigration violations. The agency says the change will let it investigate civil and criminal immigration violations end-to-end and act as a force multiplier with DHS partners, while establishing training through FLETC. Advocates and legal experts warn the move shifts a benefits agency toward ICE-like enforcement and could chill applicants’ willingness to engage the system.