DHS Reportedly Plans Shift in Immigration Enforcement, Moving Away From High-Profile Raids

The Department of Homeland Security is planning to adjust its immigration enforcement strategy, moving away from large, highly visible raids and toward more targeted operations, according to different reports.

DHS sources told NewsNation that U.S. Border Patrol teams operating under Commander Gregory Bovino will narrow their focus to specific individuals, particularly immigrants in the country illegally who have been convicted of serious crimes. The change would mark a departure from sweeping enforcement actions that have drawn attention in recent months, including raids at locations such as Home Depot.

Under the revised approach, also reported by The Hill, agents are expected to rely more on targeted actions and traffic stop enforcement. "We're not going to be seeing them necessarily grabbing people off the streets as we've seen," said NewsNation's border correspondent Ali Bradley, referring to recent high-profile operations. She added that the shift is intended to reduce broad, public-facing enforcement while maintaining arrests tied to specific cases.

Bradley reported that "Catahoula Crunch," an enforcement initiative launched in New Orleans, will persist despite the tactical change. More than 250 arrests have been made in the city so far, with DHS setting a goal of 5,000 arrests for the operation.

The reported shift comes as public opinion has turned more critical of large-scale immigration raids. A YouGov poll released in November found that a majority of Americans disapproved of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations linked to mass deportation efforts. Separately, a survey by KFF and The New York Times found that 49 percent of immigrants said they and their family members "feel less safe" with President Trump back in the White House.

Border Patrol and ICE operations have been active this year in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina, often drawing protests and criticism. While DHS has not formally announced the change, the reported move suggests an effort to recalibrate enforcement amid political and public scrutiny, while continuing operations focused on individuals with criminal convictions.