Staff Reports
The incoming team of federal prosecutors under the Trump administration is gearing up to reinvigorate law and order, especially concerning migrant criminals and the rampant crime gripping urban areas, like Washington, D.C. Former federal prosecutors are buzzing about how this shift in priorities could lead to a significant uptick in deportations for illegal immigrants involved in even minor offenses, such as shoplifting and DUI. Finally, it seems there might be some consequences for breaking the law, no matter how small the crime.
This shift is a long-awaited reversal of the lax enforcement tactics that characterized the Biden administration’s approach. The new team of U.S. attorneys is set to implement practices that have been gathering dust for years, reminiscent of the “plea and flee” system that used to be the norm. Under this process, individuals charged with petty crimes could sweep their charges under the rug simply by pleading guilty and making a hasty exit back to their home country. Such tactics, coupled with a renewed focus on severe penalties for actual criminals, should send a clear message that lawlessness will no longer be tolerated.
Thousands of ICE officers to be reassigned from desk jobs under Trump admin https://t.co/Fo0r5zIrIq pic.twitter.com/UNZDw3N3XD
— New York Post (@nypost) November 14, 2024
Expectations are high that illegal reentry cases will surge, particularly in states that border Mexico. New tough-on-crime initiatives aimed at addressing the opioid crisis and violent offenses linked to illegal immigrants are on the table. The Trump team is expected to revive efforts to combat notorious gangs, such as MS-13, a troubling relic of past administrations that appear to think providing sanctuary equals good governance.
Prosecutions saw a troubling decline during the Biden years, plummeting from over 69,000 cases in 2019 to just under 50,000 by the end of fiscal year 2023. The former federal attorney’s sentiments suggest that the new administration aims to turn this ship around, signaling a bold commitment to restoring law and order, or as some might say, getting back to business.
In major cities plagued by soft-on-crime policies, the incoming prosecutors are likely to bring a much-needed no-nonsense attitude. Cities like New York and Philadelphia have been beset by controversial prosecutors who prioritize leniency over accountability, thanks in part to funding from left-wing billionaires with questionable agendas. A fresh federal prosecutor in the District could mean the end of lackadaisical handling of gun crimes, putting illegal firearms and their owners in federal court where they belong, rather than allowing them to skate by with minimal consequences in local courts.
Civilian and policing strategies may also experience significant shifts. While police officers in cities with easygoing district attorneys might feel the need to enlist federal help, the focus would primarily be on sending a strong messagedeterrent against armed ex-felons. After all, armed criminals behind bars is a sensible solution to the chaos that has become all too familiar in American cities. Some former prosecutors express confidence that, apart from potential bureaucratic hiccups, the majority of federal prosecutors will likely follow directives and step in to restore order.
Without a doubt, the imminent changes command attention, revealing a stark contrast to the crime-befuddled status quo of the past few years. With Trump’s team casting a wide net to tackle both immigration offenses and city crime, the dream of rejuvenating law enforcement is within reach. It’s high time to give a round of applause to the soon-to-be-revamped Justice Department as they prepare to prioritize safety and accountability, returning the focus to what really matters: keeping America secure.
