FBI counterintelligence squads at 50% to 60% staffing in many field offices

FBI counterintelligence squads in many of its 56 field offices are staffed at 50% to 60%, after agents moved to violent crime and immigration work, NPR reported Oct. 6, 2026, citing five sources. The FBI said "This is false — the FBI maintains a robust counterintelligence operation across the enterprise" and cited more than 1,500 task force personnel.