The FBI is ramping up its focus on counterterrorism in response to escalating conflicts involving Iran. This decision comes in light of U.S. airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities over the past weekend, which prompted a retaliatory missile attack from Iran targeting an American air base in Qatar. An internal report earlier this month indicated that the FBI anticipated a need to allocate more resources towards Iran as a priority.
The report emphasized the goal of applying maximum pressure on Iran and its terror proxies. FBI agents have reportedly been urged to increase immigration arrests, adding to the pressures they face. An FBI spokesperson confirmed the agency’s ongoing evaluation and realignment of resources to address the most pressing national security threats, although they refrained from discussing specific operational changes.
Amid these developments, President Trump has made illegal immigration a hallmark of his administration, deploying wartime laws like the Alien Enemies Act to facilitate swift deportations. His policies include the repeal of protective measures for vulnerable migrants and discussions with foreign nations about accepting deported individuals. Recent immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles led to significant public backlash and prompted the president to activate around 4,000 members of the California National Guard under federal authority.
Additionally, over 700 Marines have been deployed to the area. The National Terrorism Advisory System recently issued a bulletin indicating that the conflict with Iran has resulted in heightened threats within the U.S. It warned that foreign terrorist organizations have been inciting violence against U.S. interests, and recent homegrown threats have been fueled by anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiments.
The U.S. strikes intended to undermine Iran’s nuclear ambitions have followed a series of earlier Israeli operations against Iranian targets, leading to substantial casualties. As of now, a ceasefire between Israel and Iran appears to be holding after a prolonged exchange of attacks.