Police have an informal term, "Permit Patty," for individuals who call law enforcement over minor issues. This term arose from an incident where a woman reported a child selling lemonade without a permit. The story highlights the notion that not every situation requires police intervention.
The federal government operates differently, with many agencies using a command-and-control model focused on enforcement. Federal agencies collectively employ more law enforcement officers than the combined forces of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. There are over 200,000 federal officers, double the number in America's 25 largest cities combined.
When President Trump announced the deployment of active-duty troops to the southern border, reactions were mixed. He sent 1,500 new troops to join 2,500 National Guard and reservists already there. Criticism arose over using military forces for domestic law enforcement, though this practice is not unprecedented. Many Americans recognize the importance of border security.
A notable discussion emerged when Trump suggested deploying newly hired IRS agents to the border. The "Inflation Reduction Act" of 2022 authorized 88,000 new IRS agents. Trump's idea prompted a closer look at existing federal law enforcement capabilities.
Several years ago, it was noted that agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) possess military equipment and trained special agents. Similar resources exist within other federal bodies such as BLM, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and others not primarily tasked with law enforcement.
The EPA has said its role in enforcing environmental laws involves investigating cases and providing legal guidance but also includes more aggressive actions like midnight raids with SWAT teams. Questions arise about whether such militarization is necessary for maintaining order or if these resources could be better used addressing genuine public safety threats like those at the border.
Some view this extensive budget allocation as unnecessary or even threatening to individual liberty since these powers are wielded by unelected officials. While upholding the rule of law is crucial in America’s foundation, it may not require militarizing nearly every government agency.
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