Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
EXCLUSIVE: FBI Director Kash Patel’s focused efforts to implement the Trump administration’s immigration policy have resulted in over 10,500 arrests in 2023. This remarkable statistic, derived from exclusive FBI data analyzed by Fox News Digital, indicates the agency’s enhanced collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security since January 20, 2023.
The FBI’s recent immigration enforcement operations included a notable event at the end of May on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. During this operation, the FBI worked with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to apprehend approximately 32 individuals. Among those arrested was an alleged MS-13 gang member and a man named Luciano Pereira Deoliveira who faced multiple serious charges, including child rape and the distribution of child pornography.
Director Patel has utilized social media to highlight these significant captures, such as that of Harpreet Singh in April. The FBI’s Sacramento field office took the lead in the investigation, revealing Singh’s alleged connections to terrorism. Authorities assert that he entered the United States illegally in 2022.
The release of this data arrives while Patel has faced increasing media scrutiny over significant changes within the FBI during the last four months. These changes include the removal of senior officials and the reassignment of many agents and staff members, with some being directed to assist the Department of Homeland Security in immigration enforcement.
Erica Knight, an advisor to Patel, asserted that the FBI’s focus has shifted to apprehending individuals with alleged criminal backgrounds due to the growing number of illegal crossings under the Biden administration. She expressed, “With over 10,000 immigration-related arrests, the Bureau under the guidance of Director Patel is undeniably responding to the border crisis. We are targeting violent cartels and criminal networks that exploit this situation. This aligns with what Americans are demanding, with safety and sovereignty at the forefront of our efforts.”
Out of the approximately 38,000 FBI employees, 13,192 have been involved in immigration enforcement efforts at some point since January. This workforce includes a mix of agents and support personnel.
Recent data indicates that the most substantial number of employees engaged in immigration-related operations are concentrated in the Los Angeles field office, followed closely by the Philadelphia, Houston, and San Antonio field offices.
The FBI, while known for its data-driven approach, historically lacked data on agents assisting the DHS with arrests in a structured way.
Under Patel’s leadership, the FBI has initiated interagency collaborations, including a March operation that was highlighted alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi in Virginia. This initiative led to the arrest of a reputed top MS-13 member. The Virginia Homeland Security Task Force successfully united state and federal law enforcement to tackle issues related to transnational organized crime and immigration enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert of Virginia reported during a press briefing that the task force had made 342 arrests to date, with many individuals lacking legal status and 81 having affiliations with gangs or transnational crime. Although the Department of Justice charged the captured MS-13 leader with a firearms-related allegation, it later dropped the charge and instead initiated deportation proceedings.
A retired FBI agent, who served in the bureau for two decades, commented that while some agents may express dissatisfaction regarding the influx of immigration enforcement tasks, many recognize the necessity of this work. He stated, “The FBI’s involvement in immigration enforcement at this time is unprecedented, driven by the unusual circumstances we face. The current administration’s approach has led to an inflow of numerous potential security threats into the country. Given this situation, the FBI’s assistance is both unusual and essential.”
He added, “It was expected that the FBI would become involved at some point; however, the challenge lies in balancing support for the DHS while also managing its traditional responsibilities.” The retired agent emphasized the unique assets that the FBI brings to this collaboration, including access to advanced databases, intelligence sources, and specialized skill sets.
Moreover, he expressed hope that the FBI is making the most of its opportunities to gather intelligence from these operations. He noted, “I trust that they are thoroughly debriefing those they apprehend to discover what information they may possess and to whom they might be connected.”
The current momentum of the FBI’s immigration enforcement efforts highlights the evolving role of federal agencies amid changing political landscapes. As Director Patel continues to steer the FBI’s focus toward immigration-related operations, the agency may redefine its approach to national security in a historically significant context.
By capturing a diverse range of suspects and engaging in cooperative efforts with other law enforcement entities, the FBI aims to bolster its proactive response to immigration-related challenges. This shift emphasizes both the complexities of modern law enforcement and the priority of public safety in federal operations.
