In a major shift in immigration enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California has charged 126 individuals with illegal reentry in just the first two months of President Donald Trump’s new term. This nearly equals the total number of charges filed under the entire Biden administration from 2021 to 2024, which amounted to only 128 cases over four years.
Renewed Commitment to Immigration Law Enforcement
Joseph McNally, the acting U.S. Attorney for the district, emphasized that the prosecution of illegal reentry cases is a top priority under the Trump administration. He made it clear that individuals who defy lawful removal orders and attempt to reenter the U.S. illegally will face serious legal consequences.
Many of those facing charges have prior felony convictions, including manslaughter, violent assaults, and crimes against children. By aggressively prosecuting repeat offenders, the administration is prioritizing the safety of American communities and sending a strong message that illegal reentry will not be tolerated.
Federal Efforts to Crack Down on Illegal Immigration
This dramatic increase in prosecutions aligns with broader federal initiatives aimed at enhancing border security and immigration enforcement. The U.S. Justice Department has announced that it will expand staffing in key border offices, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, cracking down on drug and human trafficking, and dismantling cartel networks.
A key component of this effort is the newly established Domestic Security and Immigration Section, which was created in early February 2025. This specialized division focuses exclusively on prosecuting alien smuggling operations and repeat criminal offenders who illegally reenter the country. By dedicating resources to these high-priority cases, the administration is ensuring that dangerous individuals who pose a threat to public safety are swiftly removed from American communities.
A Stark Contrast to the Previous Administration
The contrast between the Trump administration and its predecessor could not be more clear. Under Biden’s leadership, illegal reentry prosecutions plummeted, allowing thousands of deported criminals to return to the U.S. with little to no consequences. The lack of enforcement not only encouraged repeat offenders but also emboldened cartels and human traffickers who exploited weak border policies.
Now, under President Trump’s renewed focus on law and order, federal agencies are once again prioritizing immigration enforcement, ensuring that repeat offenders are held fully accountable and that American communities are protected from those who should not be in the country.
This rapid increase in prosecutions serves as a clear warning to those who defy U.S. immigration laws—there will be swift and serious consequences for illegal reentry, and the era of open-border leniency is over.