Immigration enforcement surge reduced fentanyl investigations, watchdog report finds

The short version

• A DHS inspector general report found Homeland Security Investigations reduced hours spent on fentanyl cases by 31% as immigration enforcement hours surged over 800%.[PBS NewsHour]
• Between fiscal years 2024 and 2025, immigration hours rose from roughly 207,000 to nearly 2 million, while fentanyl investigation hours fell from 824,000 to under 570,000.[PBS NewsHour]
• The watchdog warned that diverting agents and failing to address funding and tech limits could increase fentanyl availability and overdose fatalities.[PBS NewsHour]

Key facts

• A DHS inspector general report found Homeland Security Investigations hours spent on fentanyl inquiries dropped 31 percent, while immigration enforcement hours rose more than 800 percent.[PBS NewsHour]
• In fiscal year 2024, agents logged nearly 207,000 hours on immigration enforcement, which increased to nearly 2 million hours in fiscal 2025.[PBS NewsHour]
• Fentanyl investigative hours decreased from 824,000 to under 570,000 between fiscal years 2024 and 2025.[PBS NewsHour]
• The watchdog noted that insufficient funding, inadequate technology, and inconsistent interagency referrals also hindered fentanyl enforcement.[PBS NewsHour]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Trump's mass deportations led to a big drop in fentanyl investigations, report finds. Here's what to knowPBS NewsHour - Politics