The Justice Department has issued a memo directing federal prosecutors to investigate state or local officials who impede the enforcement of immigration laws under the Trump administration. The memo emphasizes a return to charging defendants with the most serious crimes possible, limiting prosecutors' discretion to opt for lesser offenses.
The focus of the memo is on immigration enforcement, with prosecutors instructed to prioritize protecting the public and securing the American border by removing illegal aliens and prosecuting them for crimes committed within U.S. jurisdiction.
In cases where state and local officials obstruct federal immigration enforcement, the memo states that prosecutors should investigate and potentially prosecute such misconduct. It highlights that federal law prohibits resistance or obstruction of lawful immigration-related commands and requests.
This directive represents a significant shift in priorities from the Biden administration, emphasizing a crackdown on illegal immigration, border crime, violent offenses, transnational gangs, and drug trafficking. Prosecutors are expected to align with the policy vision of the previous Republican administration in these areas.
The memo underscores the Justice Department's responsibility to defend the Constitution and execute policies elected by the American people. It calls for aggressive enforcement of laws enacted by Congress and robust defense of the former President's actions against legal challenges.
Employees of the Justice Department are urged to unite in fulfilling this crucial mission in service of the nation. The memo signals a clear mandate for prosecutors to uphold stringent immigration enforcement and combat various criminal threats facing the country.
