The Justice Department is directing its federal prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges against any state or local officials who stand in the way of beefed-up enforcement of immigration laws under the Trump administration.

Donald Trump's administration has reassigned about 20 senior career Justice Department attorneys, two sources familiar with the moves told Reuters, as the new president moves swiftly to shake up an arm of government that has long drawn his ire.

A memo asserts that state and local officials are bound to cooperate and could face criminal prosecution or civil penalties if they fail to comply.