The Justice Department's new leadership directed prosecutors and law enforcement across the country to focus on enacting President Trump's immigration policies and potentially charge state or local officials who impede their efforts, according to a memo obtained by CBS News.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove cited the president's constitutional authority and several federal laws in the memo, emphasizing the need for state and local actors to comply with immigration enforcement initiatives. Bove also directed the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces to assist in executing Trump's immigration-related initiatives.
An executive order signed by Mr. Trump initiated a process to recognize certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. The memo also instructed law enforcement components to identify any evidence related to noncitizens in the U.S. within 60 days and share that information with the Department of Homeland Security.
The memo further highlighted cartels, violent crime, and the fentanyl crisis as serious threats, ordering the Justice Department to work towards eradicating these issues. It emphasized that state or local officials obstructing federal immigration law enforcement efforts could face investigation and potential prosecution.
All federal prosecutors were instructed to charge the most serious offenses in any case, reverting to a policy enforced during Trump's first term. This marks a shift in department priorities to align with the former president's immigration policies.
Acting Attorney General James McHenry, with a background in immigration policy enforcement, and Emil Bove are currently leading the Justice Department until Trump's nominees for the top positions are confirmed.
