Immigration crackdown begins

Federal efforts to stop illegal immigration are broadening. The executive orders President Trump signed are either in action or they’re in court.

Now, his administration is turning to federal agencies.

“It will not sway our commitment to serving the most vulnerable,” Rev. Krista Taves said.

The Trump administration is using empowerment and intimidation to stem illegal immigration. A new Homeland Security directive lets more federal agencies identify and arrest people in the country unlawfully.

It applies to the FBI, DEA, ATF and more. Meanwhile, the Justice Department is threatening to prosecute officials who protect so-called sanctuary cities. Eleven attorneys general and the ACLU call that unconstitutional. 

President Donald Trump’s border czar argued it would make the country safer and reduce collateral arrests.

“When you release a public safety threat of a sanctuary jail, when we find him, he may be with others,” Tom Homan said. “Others that don’t have a criminal conviction are in the country illegally. They will be arrested too.”

The administration also is allowing Ice agents to make arrests in places like schools and churches.

“If they’re willing to do this, it means no one is safe. We’re not safe. The community is not safe. Human rights aren’t safe,” Taves said.

Advocates urge Trump to see how immigrants contribute to the economy, as customers and as workers.