This week, the Department of Homeland Security made headlines by publishing a major final rule that significantly expands the enforcement powers of USCIS. For the first time, USCIS will have its own law enforcement team of special agents authorized to investigate immigration-related crimes, execute search and arrest warrants, and even conduct vehicular pursuits if necessary. Historically, these law enforcement activities were the sole responsibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but under the new rule, USCIS will have the authority to order expedited removals, issue detainers and warrants, and carry firearms while enforcing both civil and criminal violations of immigration law. According to a September 4 news release from USCIS, this shift aims to let the agency take investigations "from start to finish," particularly in fraud, national security, and public safety cases connected to immigration benefits.

The timing here is important—the rule and its expanded authorities become effective on October 6, giving USCIS only a month to ramp up new operational capabilities. In parallel, the administration continues to target so-called "sanctuary jurisdictions" through recent executive orders and a coordinated federal strategy. Within 30 days of the latest order, the Attorney General and DHS will publish a list of states and localities seen as obstructing federal immigration law enforcement. These jurisdictions risk losing federal funding and face potential legal action unless they comply.

For American citizens, these changes promise heightened immigration enforcement, with increased emphasis on public safety and fraud prevention. Communities may see more frequent neighborhood checks for naturalization applicants, practices last used more than three decades ago. For businesses, particularly those hiring foreign talent, there’s a heightened risk of scrutiny and enforcement, as the Department of Labor has launched "Project Firewall," a new H-1B compliance initiative coordinating investigations with DHS, DOJ, and the EEOC. The Secretary of Labor will now directly certify investigations—raising the stakes for employers to double-check compliance and wage practices.

State and local governments face greater pressure: sanctuary jurisdictions may lose grants and contracts if they resist federal immigration enforcement. Internationally, restrictions such as the June presidential proclamation temporarily blocking foreign students at Harvard create ripples in academic and research collaborations—though this measure is still under temporary restraining order.

DHS isn’t working alone—multiagency initiatives targeting scams and fraud are underway, involving the Department of Justice and state partners. The agency urges citizens who witness unauthorized immigration services or scams to report them through the DHS tip portal. Subject matter experts caution that while these expanded authorities could improve responsiveness and criminal enforcement, they also bring risks of overreach and confusion about roles between USCIS and ICE.

Listeners interested in these rules and enforcement actions should keep an eye on the October 6 effective date for the final rule and the forthcoming list of sanctuary jurisdictions. For more details or to comment on proposed regulations, citizens can visit the DHS website or the Federal Register’s public comment section.

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