EO-14385

Protecting the National Security and Welfare of the United States and Its Citizens From Criminal Actors and Other Public Safety Threats

Date Issued

Feb 06, 2026

Status

Active

AI Analysis Summary

America First Perspective

Executive Order 14385 aims to bolster national security by enhancing the United States' ability to access and exchange criminal history record information (CHRI) with trusted foreign governments. This policy is designed to protect American citizens and businesses from criminal actors, including those who may enter the country illegally. By strengthening border security and improving the vetting process for travelers and immigrants, the order seeks to lower crime rates, which can lead to safer communities and more vibrant Main Streets. For small businesses, particularly those in retail and hospitality, reduced crime can mean lower insurance costs, increased foot traffic, and improved employee retention. This EO aligns with America First principles by prioritizing the safety and economic stability of American workers and entrepreneurs.

Sources linked — our analysis adds context.

Small Business Impact

Main Street Wins

This Executive Order supports Main Street businesses by aiming to reduce crime through enhanced border security and information sharing with trusted foreign governments. Lower crime rates can lead to safer neighborhoods, which benefits small businesses by increasing foot traffic and reducing costs associated with theft and vandalism.

Risks to Watch

While the EO focuses on national security, there is a potential risk of increased regulatory burdens if information sharing requires businesses to comply with new data privacy standards or reporting requirements. Additionally, any delays or disruptions in the immigration process could impact small businesses reliant on immigrant labor.

America First Small Business Analysis — includes BLS, Census BFS, and FBI crime trends

Historical Cycle Connection

Similar security-focused Executive Orders were issued during the Reagan administration, emphasizing law enforcement and immigration control.
The post-9/11 era saw an increase in Executive Orders related to national security under the Bush administration, focusing on information sharing and border security.
The Trump administration issued several Executive Orders aimed at reducing crime and enhancing border security, aligning with an America First agenda.
Previous administrations have used Executive Orders to strengthen international cooperation in combating transnational crime, reflecting ongoing bipartisan support for such measures.

Economic & Data Context

BLS / Economic Indicators

The current unemployment rate of 4.3% suggests a stable job market, which can be further improved by reducing crime and enhancing public safety, thus benefiting small businesses. While specific FBI crime data is unavailable, historically, lower crime rates correlate with improved economic conditions for small businesses. The Census Bureau's BFS data indicates positive trends in small business formation, which could be bolstered by the increased safety this EO aims to provide.

Community Poll

Does this executive order help or hurt independent Americans?

Full Text

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)] [Presidential Documents] [Pages 6505-6506] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-02819] Presidential Documents Federal Register / Vol. 91 , No. 28 / Wednesday, February 11, 2026 / Presidential Documents [[Page 6505]] Executive Order 14385 of February 6, 2026 Protecting the National Security and Welfare of the United States and Its Citizens From Criminal Actors and Other Public Safety Threats By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including 6 U.S.C. 122(a)(2), it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to protect its welfare and security, and the welfare and security of its citizens, from criminal actors. Such criminal actors may include foreign nationals with criminal histories who have entered or remained in the United States in violation of the immigration laws of the United States or who otherwise seek to violate the criminal laws of the United States. It is also the policy of the United States to cooperate with trusted foreign governments by sharing information concerning convicted felons on a reciprocal basis for border security and immigration purposes. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for safeguarding the borders of the United States by interdicting persons and goods illegally entering the United States; protecting against the entry of dangerous goods, narcotics, and firearms; and detecting, responding to, and interdicting terrorists, drug smugglers, human smugglers, and other persons who seek to harm the United States. To fulfill these responsibilities, and consistent with the policy described above, DHS immigration authorities must access criminal history record information (CHRI) in the custody of Federal criminal justice agencies to the maximum extent permitted by law. Sec. 2. Providing CHRI to DHS. The Attorney General shall provide DHS with access, for purposes related to DHS's screening and vetting missions and to the maximum extent permitted by law, to CHRI available to or maintained by the Department of Justice. Sec. 3. Exchanging Felony Conviction Records with Visa Waiver Program and Other Countries for Border Security and Immigration Purposes. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security may exchange, to the maximum extent permitted by law, CHRI with the border security and immigration authorities of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, countries that have entered into a Preventing and Combating Serious Crime or similar agreement with the United States, and other trusted allies, under an agreement or arrangement described in subsection (b) of this section. The Secretary of Homeland Security may provide this information to these countries for the sole purpose of screening travelers and immigrants seeking to enter or stay in the VWP or other country. (b) Any exchange of CHRI by the Secretary of Homeland Security with foreign countries shall be on the basis of reciprocity and under a bilateral or multilateral agreement or arrangement entered into by DHS that contains appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of United States persons and other individuals consistent with applicable law. Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or [[Page 6506]] (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Homeland Security. (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, February 6, 2026. [FR Doc. 2026-02819 Filed 2-10-26; 11:15 am] Billing code 4410-10-P

Disclaimer: AI-generated analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice. The "Indie vs. Mainstream" comparison reflects generalised media tendencies and does not represent specific outlets. Economic data references are drawn from publicly available training knowledge and may not reflect the latest figures. Always consult primary sources for official guidance.