The Future of Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Reforms and Challenges Ahead

July 09, 2024

Action Immigration

At last count, around 13.7% of the United States population comprised foreign-born nationals, many of whom are undocumented. Immigration has become a hot political topic, with both sides trying to use it to score points against the other. When this happens, the future of how Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be used becomes unclear.

In this article, we'll look at some recent developments within ICE, historical trends, and the 2024 election race to try to clarify things. Keep reading if you want to learn more.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Under New Management

Last year, the Senate confirmed the first ICE director since the Obama days (the previous two ICE directors were hand-picked by Trump and Biden, respectively). The extra oversight in this new appointment seems to have paid off in terms of making ICE more fair, humane, and effective.

For example, ICE agents are being forced to adhere to the same standards of care as other peace officers. The extra accountability limits abuses of power and gives people who've been treated unlawfully some recourse.

P.J. Lechleitner is likely to remain as head of ICE at least until January 2025. This means that this more humane touch will be the tone of ICE until that point. What comes thereafter depends on the election.

A Continuance of Dignity

The Biden administration has already upheld their important promise to drastically cut back on raids. They've also closed down most for-profit detention sites and even a handful of government ones. Lechleitner is working on cutting down on 287(g) deportations and ICE holds.

Today, an immigration attorney has more tools to protect your rights if infringed during a raid. This trend will probably continue if Biden wins re-election. However, it's less certain what another Trump presidency will do to these policies.

The Global Impact

However, the national executive is not the only branch of government with access to the levers of control. Both houses of Congress also have a mandate to control immigration policy (for example, in confirming the new director).

At present, Congress has the difficult task of balancing the needs of immigrants against the needs of allies in conflict. Events in Ukraine and the Middle East are drawing heavily on the US's resources, and there's only so much to go around. Fewer resources for domestic affairs means that any effective immigration policy will have to be quite heavy-handed.

Moreover, state governments have a lot of influence on the treatment of immigrants. Many of the southern states are currently at odds with the federal government. This means that migrants may face much harsher treatment in those states than at the hands of a federal official.

Stay In the Loop

Under the current leadership, Immigration and Customs Enforcement will probably keep trending towards more humane practices. However, this trend can be cut short by the state or federal government in the near future. This is not only because of the possible new executive policy but also because of Congress.

That's why you need an immigration lawyer on standby. A good lawyer can help you navigate bonds (immigration bonds or bail bonds), prepare you for your bond hearing, and help secure your stay. Get a free consultation and the best legal advice from Action Bail Bonds today.

Disclaimer - This is the website of ACTION Immigration Bonds & Insurance Services, Inc. Our postal address is 1133 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 USA. Our toll free number is 1-800-940-8889. Each visitor to our website is assured that at no time will any of the information gathered here or by any other means be sold, distributed or otherwise given to any third party companies for any reason. Any information that we may collect is used solely by ACTION to improve our website, our services, product offerings and customer service. We do not make the email addresses, domain names or any other information of those who access our site available to any organizations not owned by ACTION Immigration Bonds & Insurance Services, Inc. Real testimonials used. Actor portrayal of customer used to protect their identity. REFERRAL COMMISSIONS ARE PAID ONLY TO PROPERLY LICENSED PROPERTY & CASUALTY AGENTS. NO COMMISSIONS ARE PAID TO AGENTS IN THE STATE OF UTAH.

Action Immigration Bonds and Insurance Services, Inc. charges a yearly management / maintenance premium of $245.00 and NO management premium in CA if case goes beyond 1 year.

© 2025. Action Immigration Bonds and Insurance Services, Inc.