New DHS Acting Sec. Orders Review On Immigration, Enforcement Policies, Pausing Removals

On Wednesday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Pekoske signed a memorandum directing DHS components, including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, to review and reset enforcement policies and set interim policies for civil enforcement while the Department develops its final priorities.

According to DHS, starting on January 22, this suspension is expected to last 100 days. DHS will “pause removals for certain noncitizens ordered deported to ensure we have a fair and effective immigration enforcement system focused on protecting national security, border security, and public safety.”

As stated by DHS, the pause will allow them to affirm that its resources are dedicated to responding to the most pressing challenges that the United States faces, including the immediate operational challenges at the southwest border (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California) in the midst of the most serious global public health crisis in a century.