Major Changes Hit FBI Las Vegas as Bureau Shifts to Immigration Focus
The FBI’s Las Vegas field office announced a significant change in direction Friday, declaring it will partner with the Department of Homeland Security on immigration enforcement in Nevada.
Meanwhile, its top leader faces sudden removal in what experts call an unprecedented shake-up of federal law enforcement leadership. THis comes as sources tell NBC that several top FBI officials who were promoted by former FBI Director Christopher Wray have been told to resign or retire from the agency or face demotion or reassignment.
Las Vegas FBI Chief Faces Sudden Dismissal
Spencer Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office, received notice that the Department of Justice plans to dismiss him “from the rolls of the FBI” as early as Monday morning, according to documents obtained by NBC News.
Evans, who has led major investigations in Nevada since his appointment in April 2022, said in a note that the decision “has come as a shock” and was given without explanation. Evans has been a key figure in Nevada law enforcement since joining the FBI in 2004, most recently leading the investigation of the CyberTruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel on New Year’s Day.
During a January 3rd news conference, Evans demonstrated his investigative approach, stating:
“It’s evident that the subject considered, planned, and thoughtfully prepared for this act alone. That’s what we believe. And we have no information to the contrary.”
Broader Changes Affecting Nevada Operations
The potential removal of Evans comes as part of a larger restructuring that includes about half a dozen “executive assistant directors” who oversee critical areas like criminal, national security, and cyber investigations. These career civil servants, who typically can’t be fired without cause, are being told to resign, retire, or face demotion or reassignment.
UNLV Associate History Professor Dr. Michael Green warns of potential local consequences, telling News3LV:
“Current investigations could be affected. Cooperation with local law enforcement could be affected. Numerous possibilities could result from this,”
Green explained. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of these changes, noting:
“This move is new. Yes, presidents get rid of top officials. This big a swath? No.”
New Immigration Focus in the Silver State
The Las Vegas field office announced its new immigration focus in a social media post:
“FBILasVegas is collaborating with @DHS.gov on immigration enforcement in Nevada. Our aim is to eliminate dangerous criminals from the streets, and we are committed to this partnership.”
#FBILasVegas is collaborating with @DHS.gov on immigration enforcement in Nevada. Our aim is to eliminate dangerous criminals from the streets, and we are committed to this partnership. pic.twitter.com/5VLqg7mFGI
— FBI Las Vegas (@FBILasVegas) February 7, 2025
This shift follows directives from DOJ official Emil Bove, who has been contacting FBI supervisors nationwide to push for increased focus on immigration cases and public promotion of these efforts.
The change comes as White House officials push for increased immigration enforcement nationwide, despite challenges with detention capacity. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently acknowledged that 461 migrants were released after their arrests due to space limitations.
The Las Vegas field office and national FBI offices have declined to comment on these developments, leaving many questions unanswered about the immediate impact on ongoing investigations and operations in Nevada.
What’s Next for Nevada’s FBI Operations
While the leadership change could disrupt ongoing operations, a retired FBI source suggests the office can maintain continuity through its assistant leaders.
Dr. Green explained:
“The process emanates from above. The people below do not elect their leader. So, it will be someone Washington decides upon, or perhaps someone at a lower level.”
The timing is particularly significant as these changes coincide with confirmation hearings for Kash Patel, President Trump’s choice to lead the FBI nationally.
Evans’ potential departure next week would create an immediate leadership vacuum in one of Nevada’s law enforcement offices, leaving questions about who will oversee critical investigations and maintain relationships with local law enforcement agencies across the state.
The situation has caught the attention of law enforcement experts and government watchdogs across Nevada, who are closely monitoring how these changes might affect everything from major criminal investigations to day-to-day cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this reorganization strengthens or complicates law enforcement efforts in the Silver State.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
