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The internal debate includes concerns about the consequences of these aggressive tactics. Some DHS officials worry that prioritizing arrest numbers over focused enforcement could erode public support and blur the lines between ICE and Border Patrol operations. One senior official summarized the dilemma by stating, "It's getting numbers, but at what cost."
The tension is palpable, with internal warnings that the new approach may compromise public perceptions and morale within DHS. The shift appears to be driven by political expectations of increased deportations, with some officials asserting that the administration perceives ICE as not effectively meeting these goals.