U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is pausing most of its traffic stops, according to sources. The decision follows two recent deadly shootings in Houston, Texas, and Biddeford, Maine, where ICE agents were involved in incidents that led to the drivers' deaths.
Video evidence from both incidents reportedly shows that the drivers attempted to flee from law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that in both cases, the drivers attempted to run over law enforcement agents. However, the department has not yet provided evidence to support these claims.
During the Trump administration, ICE agents were involved in a series of shootings, some of which involved individuals in vehicles. Critics have suggested that in some of these situations, agents may have acted in ways that were contrary to their training. A former ICE agent, who spoke anonymously out of concern for reprisal, told TIME that ICE agents have limited authority during traffic stops, as their primary focus is immigration enforcement. The former agent indicated that pursuits were generally not permitted unless a fleeing felon posing a danger to others was involved.
ICE has not yet released details on the specific policies being reviewed or the expected duration of the pause.