The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has officially taken over office space in Washington, D.C., previously occupied by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This move, involving a license agreement for approximately 390,000 usable square feet in the USAID tower, signals a significant shift in the federal government’s focus under the current administration.
The decision comes in the wake of substantial changes to USAID, which has seen its funding priorities restricted and its operations placed under the direct oversight of the State Department. This restructuring aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to prioritize domestic immigration issues over foreign aid initiatives. A spokesperson for CBP confirmed the agreement, highlighting the agency’s expanding role in addressing border security.
Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, recently emphasized the administration’s commitment to stringent immigration enforcement. During a press briefing, he stated that the full resources of the Department of Homeland Security, along with other federal agencies, would be deployed to expedite the removal of undocumented immigrants. Miller’s comments reflect the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration, which has included the deportation of approximately 11,000 individuals in the early weeks of its tenure.
This shift in policy also coincides with a notable decline in illegal border crossings. According to newly released data from CBP, January saw a total of 61,465 apprehensions at the southern border, marking a 36% decrease from December. This figure includes the lowest number of apprehensions since May 2020, indicating a significant reduction in illegal entries.
The relocation of CBP into the former USAID space underscores the administration’s focus on immigration and border security, contrasting sharply with the previous administration’s approach to international development and aid. As the new administration continues to implement its policies, the implications for both domestic and foreign affairs remain to be seen.