Attorney General Pam Bondi Set to Make Major Immigration Enforcement Announcement
Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to make her first major announcement on immigration enforcement on Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant step in her tenure as the nation’s top law enforcement official. This announcement comes shortly after she issued a series of sweeping directives aimed at reshaping how the federal government interacts with sanctuary jurisdictions. In her first hours in office, Bondi directed the Department of Justice to take a firm stance against states and cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Her memos emphasize that state and local governments must comply with federal immigration laws, warning that any interference with federal law enforcement operations could result in losing funding. This move signals a strong shift in the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, targeting jurisdictions that have historically shielded undocumented immigrants.
Targeting Sanctuary Cities and States
The directives issued by Attorney General Bondi specifically focus on sanctuary jurisdictions—cities or states that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The memos make it clear that such jurisdictions risk losing federal funding if they continue to "unlawfully interfere with federal law enforcement operations." Bondi has encouraged the Department of Justice to pursue legal actions against non-compliant sanctuary cities and states, ensuring they align with the federal government’s immigration policies. This aggressive stance is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration enforcement nationwide. The move has already sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it infringes on states’ rights and local autonomy.
Crackdown on Cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations
In addition to targeting sanctuary jurisdictions, Attorney General Bondi has also turned her attention to combating cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). In a separate memo, she emphasized the need for "additional resources and thoughtful charging decisions" to combat illegal drug trafficking and other criminal activities linked to these groups. Bondi has vowed to pursue the "total elimination" of these organizations, signaling a prioritization of their dismantlement as part of the administration’s immigration and national security agenda. This approach aligns with the Trump administration’s broader goals of curbing drug trafficking and securing the southern border.
Legal Action Against Illinois and Chicago
The Justice Department, under Bondi’s leadership, has already taken concrete steps to enforce federal immigration policies. Last week, the department filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago, and other local jurisdictions. The lawsuit alleges that their laws and policies hinder federal immigration enforcement efforts in the region. This legal action is part of a pattern of escalating tensions between the federal government and sanctuary jurisdictions, which have sought to limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The lawsuit underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws, even in the face of fierce opposition from local governments.
Instructions to Prosecutors: Enforce Immigration Policies Aggressively
Attorney General Bondi’s acting deputy, Emil Bove, has also instructed federal prosecutors across the country to prioritize the enforcement of President Trump’s immigration policies. In a memo sent to prosecutors, Bove directed them to focus on cases that align with the administration’s immigration agenda and to consider charging state or local officials who impede federal immigration enforcement efforts. This directive reflects a significant shift in how federal prosecutors are being asked to operate, prioritizing immigration enforcement over other areas of criminal justice. The move has raised concerns among legal experts and civil rights groups, who argue that it could lead to overreach and undermine local law enforcement efforts.
How to Watch the Announcement
For those interested in following Attorney General Pam Bondi’s immigration enforcement announcement, CBS News will provide live coverage. The announcement is scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch the live stream on CBS News 24/7 through the player above or on their mobile or streaming devices. Robert Legare, a multiplatform reporter and producer for CBS News, will cover the event, providing updates and analysis. This announcement is expected to shed further light on the administration’s plans for immigration enforcement and its strategy for addressing sanctuary cities, cartels, and other related issues.
In conclusion, Attorney General Pam Bondi’s announcement marks a significant moment in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape immigration enforcement. With a focus on targeting sanctuary cities, combating cartels, and ensuring compliance with federal laws, Bondi is signaling a tough and uncompromising approach to immigration policy. As the nation watches, this announcement will likely set the tone for how the administration plans to address these complex and contentious issues in the months ahead.
