FBI Counterintelligence Squads Reportedly Face Nationwide Cuts

FBI counterintelligence squads that track foreign spies are facing major staffing shortages across the country, with many field offices reportedly filling only 50% to 60% of authorized positions and some cutting the number of dedicated squads in half. Agents and analysts have been reassigned to violent crime, gangs and immigration enforcement, priorities emphasized by President Trump’s administration; the reported reductions were not attributed to a specific order to dismantle counterintelligence units. The shortages have raised concerns that the bureau will be less able to investigate espionage and other operations by foreign governments as those threats continue to grow.