Home/Policy/Enforcement/USCIS to Add Special Agents with New Law Enforcement Authorities

USCIS to Add Special Agents with New Law Enforcement Authorities

CategoriesEnforcement
Signals
Neutral sentiment
Medium impact
USCIS
Final rule
Summary

Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm deadlines on the official notice or with a qualified professional.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has gained expanded law enforcement authorities, allowing its newly designated special agents (1811 classified officers) to investigate, arrest, and prosecute immigration law violators. This final rule gives USCIS special agents greater enforcement power than they previously held. The change strengthens USCIS's capacity to enforce immigration laws directly.
Full official notice
USCIS

Authoritative text and filing details are always on the publisher’s site.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is now authorized to expand its law enforcement authorities and newly-minted USCIS 1811 classified officers (commonly known as special agents) will be empowered to investigate, arrest, and present for prosecution those who violate America’s immigration laws under a final rule published today.

Visa bulletin
May 2026

Final action, filing & DV tables

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Enforcement

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