On May 15, 2025, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard dismissed two senior intelligence officials, Mike Collins and Maria Langan-Riekhof, citing their opposition to President Donald Trump's policies. Both Collins and Langan-Riekhof had over 25 years of experience and were key figures in the National Intelligence Council. Their removal followed the declassification of a memo that contradicted the administration's justification for deporting Venezuelan immigrants under the Alien Enemies Act.

The declassified memo, released last week, found no credible evidence linking Venezuela's government to the criminal gang Tren de Aragua. This undermined the administration's rationale for invoking the Alien Enemies Act—a 1798 wartime law—to deport Venezuelan immigrants alleged to be gang members. The memo stated that while some mid- and low-level Venezuelan officials might have ties to the gang for personal financial gain, there was no indication that President Nicolás Maduro or senior officials were directing the gang's operations.

The firings have drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Rep. Jim Himes warned against the politicization of intelligence work, expressing concern that such actions could compromise the integrity and nonpartisan nature of intelligence assessments. Gabbard's office defended the dismissals, stating they were part of efforts to end politicization within the intelligence community.

In addition to the personnel changes, Gabbard is relocating key operations, such as the National Intelligence Council and staff preparing the President’s Daily Brief, from the CIA to ODNI facilities. This move grants her increased direct control over these functions. These changes are part of a broader restructuring that includes eliminating diversity programs and investigating intelligence leaks.

The administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act has faced legal challenges. Two federal judges have ruled that the law was misapplied, noting that the gang's criminal activities do not constitute acts of war or invasion. Despite these rulings, the administration has continued with the deportations.

The declassified memo was released following a Freedom of Information Act request by the Freedom of the Press Foundation. The memo's findings have raised questions about the administration's justification for its deportation policies and the potential politicization of intelligence assessments.

Critics worry that these moves compromise the integrity and nonpartisan nature of intelligence assessments. The balance between national security measures and political influence remains a contentious issue, with concerns about the potential impact on the objectivity of intelligence operations.

The dismissal of senior intelligence officials and the restructuring of intelligence operations under DNI Tulsi Gabbard have sparked significant debate regarding the politicization of intelligence work and the legal frameworks governing deportation policies. These developments underscore the complex interplay between national security, legal authority, and political influence in the United States.