The Trump administration is intensifying its efforts against sanctuary city policies and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies. A newly released Justice Department memo outlines plans to investigate and potentially prosecute state and local officials who resist federal immigration enforcement. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove emphasized that federal law prohibits states and municipalities from obstructing lawful immigration directives, directing U.S. Attorney’s Offices to pursue cases of noncompliance. Federal prosecutors who refuse to enforce immigration laws may also face scrutiny and possible disciplinary action.
At the same time, the administration has launched a sweeping effort to dismantle Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs throughout the federal government. A memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requires all agencies to shut down DEIA offices, place employees in these roles on administrative leave, and cancel any related programs, contracts, or training sessions. The directive also mandates the removal of DEIA-related materials from websites and the submission of detailed plans to close these offices and eliminate their influence.
The push to end DEIA programs follows President Trump’s executive orders prioritizing individual merit and equal treatment. One order repealed DEIA-related hiring preferences within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other sectors, asserting that such policies undermine civil rights protections and merit-based systems. Trump stated that race- and sex-based preferences harm both individuals and institutions by devaluing qualifications and diminishing public safety, particularly in critical sectors like law enforcement, aviation, and healthcare.
The administration’s position is rooted in its belief that DEIA initiatives violate civil rights laws and foster discrimination under the guise of inclusivity. The memo describes these programs as “dangerous” and argues that they replace competence and hard work with arbitrary criteria like race or gender. Federal agencies have been instructed to ensure hiring and promotions are based solely on individual capability, dedication, and qualifications, rejecting what the administration sees as divisive and unlawful practices.
Through these actions, the Trump administration aims to bolster immigration enforcement while dismantling institutional frameworks that prioritize DEIA principles, marking a significant shift in federal policy and enforcement priorities.
