WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department began firing more than 1,350 U.S.-based employees on Friday as the administration of President Donald Trump presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corps, a move critics say will undermine U.S. ability to defend and promote U.S. interests abroad.

The State Department is firing over 1,300 employees in line with a dramatic reorganization plan initiated by the Trump administration earlier this year.

The department has begun sending layoff notices to 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers with assignments in the United States.

As part of the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal government, at least 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers have had their positions terminated, CNN reported.

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop its sweeping California immigration raids, which continue to spark both protest and concern in communities.