Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin rescinded a rule requiring DHS expenditures over $100,000 to be personally approved by his office. This streamlines the agency's approval process and reduces bureaucratic delays. The action is intended to accelerate FEMA relief efforts and emergency response capabilities.
Executive Order 14165 was signed on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to enforce existing immigration laws and secure the U.S. border. The order established priorities for immigration enforcement and directed the Department of Homeland Security to implement specified border security measures. Confirmed direct impacts include increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and changes to asylum processing procedures at the southern border.
President Trump signed Executive Order 13920 on May 1, 2020, directing the Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security to protect U.S. electric grid infrastructure from cybersecurity threats and foreign interference. The order established requirements for bulk-power system operators to implement security measures and report vulnerabilities. It created a framework for federal agencies to coordinate on grid protection and granted the President authority to prohibit bulk-power system equipment from designated foreign countries.
On January 31, 2020, President Trump signed Proclamation 2020-2422 to enhance vetting processes for detecting attempted entry into the United States by individuals identified as security threats. The proclamation directed the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Attorney General to implement improved information-sharing and screening procedures. The confirmed direct effect was the implementation of enhanced background checks and data-sharing protocols affecting all individuals applying for entry to the United States.
Executive Order 13903 was signed on January 31, 2020, establishing a joint task force and directing federal agencies to coordinate efforts against human trafficking and online child exploitation. The order directs the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies to enhance investigations, prosecution, and victim support. The confirmed direct impact includes increased federal coordination on trafficking cases and expanded resources for child exploitation investigations.
President Trump signed a memorandum on April 22, 2019 (Document 2019-09470) directing federal agencies to reduce visa overstays by nonimmigrants through enhanced tracking, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms. The memorandum required the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice to implement stricter monitoring of visa holders and increase consequences for overstaying. The confirmed direct effects included expanded data collection on visa compliance and increased coordination between agencies on enforcement actions against individuals remaining in the U.S. beyond authorized stay periods.
On April 10, 2018, President Trump signed Proclamation 9645 to maintain enhanced vetting processes for detecting attempted entry by terrorists or public-safety threats. The proclamation directed the Department of Homeland Security to continue implementing heightened screening and vetting procedures at U.S. ports of entry. The confirmed direct effect was continuation of enhanced background checks, document verification, and security protocols for individuals seeking entry to the United States.
On April 6, 2018, President Trump signed a memorandum (2018-07962) directing the Department of Homeland Security to end the practice of releasing migrants apprehended at the border while their cases were pending. The memorandum instructed DHS to detain individuals pending immigration proceedings rather than release them. The confirmed effect was increased detention of migrants, including families, at the southern border.
On April 4, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order reorganizing the structure and membership of the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council, along with their subcommittees. The order modified which cabinet officials and advisors hold permanent or regular seats on these councils, changed reporting structures, and established new subcommittees for policy coordination. The direct impact on Americans included changes to how national security policy is developed and coordinated across federal agencies.
On January 25, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13768, which directed the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize deportation of immigrants convicted of crimes, those who pose security threats, and those who have entered the country illegally. The order targeted so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement by threatening to withhold federal grants. Confirmed effects include increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workplace raids, detention of immigrants with pending legal cases, and financial penalties applied to sanctuary jurisdictions, though the grant-withholding provision faced immediate legal challenges that limited its application.