Coast Guard Overhaul Accelerates Under Trump’s Immigration and Drug Crackdown

Washington is abuzz with a significant push to revamp the U.S. Coast Guard, aligning with the Trump administration's aggressive stance on immigration and drug enforcement. This overhaul, gaining momentum in Congress and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aims to elevate the Coast Guard to a status comparable to other military branches under the Department of Defense, equipping it better for critical interdiction missions.

Legislation in the House, specifically the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, has passed a key committee vote, setting the stage for enhanced capabilities in tackling illegal crossings and narcotics trafficking. Rep. Mike Ezell, R-Miss., a co-sponsor, emphasized the Coast Guard's role akin to law enforcement, stating, "Our men and women in service are stepping up to combat the drug epidemic flooding our borders."

Under Trump’s leadership, the Coast Guard has already reported a staggering increase in drug seizures, with over 242,000 pounds of cocaine intercepted since January—a more than 100% jump compared to the same period last year. This statistic underscores the urgency and scale of the administration's crackdown.

A pivotal aspect of the proposed reforms includes establishing a civilian secretary for the Coast Guard, a move to streamline bureaucracy and enhance direct communication with the White House and Congress. Ezell noted this role would be "instrumental in cutting through red tape" that has historically hampered progress.

Parallel efforts in the Senate, led by Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, mirror this push for a dedicated secretary, highlighting the need for cohesive leadership to bolster maritime security. Meanwhile, DHS is rolling out the Force Design 2028 plan, which focuses on restructuring the service’s personnel, technology, and fitness standards to align more closely with military norms, all in response to the administration’s border security priorities.

As these initiatives unfold, the Coast Guard, with its roughly 43,000 active-duty members, stands at a transformative crossroads. The goal? A fully revamped service by 2028, ready to face the evolving challenges of immigration and drug smuggling head-on.