Changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Staffing and Operations

May 12, 2026, 14:42
USPolitics

Introduction

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is increasing the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across the country by setting up shared office spaces in more than 40 states and Puerto Rico.

Main Body

The government is moving about 330 staff members to various cities and rural areas, with the most employees being sent to Texas. This growth is possible because of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which provided over $170 billion to DHS for enforcement until 2029. As a result, the number of agents is increasing from 10,000 to 22,000. While Secretary Markwayne Mullin has moved away from high-profile raids to make operations less visible, the goal is still to carry out mass deportations. Official Tom Homan emphasized that this increase targets people who entered the U.S. during the previous administration, especially in cities where local police refuse to help federal agents. This change follows a difficult period, including deadly events in Minneapolis in January and a drop in public support. Data from April 2026 shows that 35% of detainees had no criminal record, leading 50% of the public to feel that enforcement has been too harsh. Consequently, the administration replaced Secretary Kristi Noem with Secretary Mullin, who believes that reducing media attention will help agents work more effectively. At the same time, some reports suggest that the President and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller may have different views on how to handle these issues. For example, some fast-track training programs have ended and controversial arrest methods have decreased. However, the White House denies that Mr. Miller has less influence, asserting that his strategies are still a key part of current counterterrorism and enforcement plans.

Conclusion

DHS continues to grow its staff and operations while trying to achieve mass deportations with less public attention and dealing with a lack of cooperation from some cities.

Learning

🚀 The 'Cause & Effect' Leap

An A2 student says: "The government has money, so they hire more people." A B2 speaker says: "As a result, the number of agents is increasing."

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using "so" for every connection. You need Logical Connectors to show how one event leads to another.

🛠ī¸ The Logic Toolkit (From the Text)

ConnectorLevelHow it worksExample from Article
As a resultB2Shows a direct consequence."As a result, the number of agents is increasing..."
ConsequentlyB2+Formal way to say 'therefore'."Consequently, the administration replaced Secretary Kristi Noem..."
Leading toB2Connects a fact to a feeling or result."...no criminal record, leading 50% of the public to feel..."

💡 Pro-Tip: The "B2 Shift"

Instead of starting a new sentence with "So...", try these patterns to sound more professional:

  • Pattern A: [Fact] + , leading to + [Result] (e.g., The rain was heavy, leading to traffic jams.)
  • Pattern B: [Fact]. Consequently, [Result]. (e.g., I forgot my passport. Consequently, I missed my flight.)

🔍 Contextual Vocabulary Upgrade

Stop using "big" or "change." Look at how the article uses these Precise Verbs:

  • Increasing →\rightarrow (Better than 'growing')
  • Emphasized →\rightarrow (Better than 'said strongly')
  • Asserting →\rightarrow (Better than 'saying it is true')
  • Handling →\rightarrow (Better than 'dealing with')

Mastering these connectors and precise verbs transforms your English from 'basic communication' to 'professional fluency'.

Vocabulary Learning

presence (n.)
The state or fact of being present or existing in a place.
Example:The increased presence of ICE agents in small towns has raised concerns.
shared (adj.)
Used by more than one person or group; not exclusive.
Example:The new shared office spaces allow multiple agencies to work side by side.
government (n.)
The group of people who run a country or state, especially the officials in charge.
Example:The government is moving about 330 staff members to various cities.
staff (n.)
The people who work for an organization or in a particular job.
Example:The agency hired additional staff to handle the increased workload.
rural (adj.)
Relating to the countryside, not to a city or town.
Example:Many new offices will be located in rural areas to improve coverage.
growth (n.)
An increase in size, number, or importance.
Example:The agency's growth has been rapid since the new bill was passed.
bill (n.)
A proposal for new legislation that is presented to a legislative body.
Example:The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provided over $170 billion to DHS.
enforcement (n.)
The act of making sure rules or laws are obeyed.
Example:The new funding will increase enforcement of immigration laws.
high-profile (adj.)
Attracting a lot of public attention or interest.
Example:The Secretary moved away from high-profile raids to reduce media coverage.
deportation (n.)
The process of removing someone from a country because they are not a citizen.
Example:The government plans to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.
public (adj.)
Relating to or open to all people; not private.
Example:Public support for the policy has dropped after the recent incidents.
detainee (n.)
A person who is being held in custody by the authorities.
Example:Data shows that 35% of detainees had no criminal record.
criminal (adj.)
Related to or involved in a crime.
Example:Many detainees were found to have no criminal history.
record (n.)
A written or electronic account of facts or events.
Example:The detainee's record was checked before the decision was made.
counterterrorism (n.)
Actions taken to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism.
Example:The agency's counterterrorism plans were reviewed by the new Secretary.
fast-track (adj.)
Designed to be completed quickly, often by skipping usual steps.
Example:Some fast-track training programs have ended due to budget cuts.
controversial (adj.)
Causing disagreement or debate among people.
Example:The new arrest methods are controversial among civil rights groups.
influence (n.)
The power to affect or change something or someone.
Example:The White House denied that Mr. Miller has less influence on policy.
strategy (n.)
A plan of action designed to achieve a goal.
Example:His strategies are still a key part of the current enforcement plans.
key (adj.)
Very important or essential.
Example:The new policy is a key element of the administration's agenda.
cooperation (n.)
The act of working together with others to achieve a common goal.
Example:The lack of cooperation from some cities has slowed progress.