Trump’s Department of Justice is gearing up for a massive crackdown on border criminals despite federal hiring restrictions. The move signals a renewed commitment to law and order at America’s increasingly dangerous borders under the administration’s bold leadership.
At a glance:
• DOJ exempts border prosecutor positions from federal hiring freeze
• Initiative targets illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and cartel activity
• Border districts in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and other states to receive new prosecutors
• Daily border encounters have dropped to lowest levels in 15 years under Trump
• DOJ lawyers may face mandatory transfers to border districts if volunteers insufficient
Trump Administration Steps Up Border Enforcement
The Justice Department has made a bold move to exempt prosecutor positions near America’s borders from a federal hiring freeze, directly targeting the cartels and trafficking networks threatening national security. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the initiative in a March 6 memo, emphasizing that US Attorney’s offices near the northern and southern borders can immediately begin recruiting additional legal firepower.
The strategic hiring exemption applies to border districts in Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Southern California, Northern and Western New York, and Vermont. These prosecutors will focus exclusively on immigration enforcement, drug and human trafficking cases, and dismantling the criminal enterprises that have flourished during years of lax border policies.
Border Security Showing Immediate Results
The redirection of resources toward border enforcement is already showing dramatic results in the battle against illegal immigration. Recent statistics reveal daily encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have plummeted to approximately 200 immigrants—the lowest figure recorded in over 15 years.
Blanche’s memo outlines an aggressive approach to prosecution, instructing border districts to pursue terrorism and sanctions charges against migrants aiding cartels and criminal organizations. The Department aims to increase criminal charges not only against illegal migrants but also against “sanctuary” jurisdictions that deliberately obstruct federal immigration enforcement.
DOJ Mobilizing All Available Resources
The Justice Department is calling on its Washington-based attorneys to volunteer for transfers to border districts as part of this national security initiative. The administration has made it clear that if insufficient volunteers come forward, mandatory reassignments may be necessary to address what they’ve designated as an ongoing national emergency.
The new directive represents a dramatic shift from the previous administration’s approach, showcasing Trump’s commitment to securing America’s borders and protecting communities from transnational criminal threats. While other federal agencies remain under a general hiring freeze as part of the administration’s cost-cutting initiatives, the border security exemption highlights the critical priority being placed on immigration enforcement and national security.
