Former President Donald Trump has ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reverse its recently announced pause on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle stops. Trump described the stops as "one of ICE's most important and effective Crime fighting tools" in a social media post.
The president stated that the pause would "be playing right into the criminal’s hands" and vowed it "won’t happen on my watch." He directed ICE agents to "be judicious, fair and smart, and go back and do your very important job."
The DHS had announced the pause on Tuesday, instructing agents nationwide to cease most vehicle stops. The policy change was to remain in effect until DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin approved new vehicle stop training and it was implemented. Exceptions were to be made only for targets considered egregious with serious or violent criminal histories.
According to ICE sources, the pause followed two separate incidents within a week where individuals were fatally shot by ICE agents during vehicle stops in Maine and Texas.
Trump also commented on the current immigration situation, stating that under the Biden administration, "25 million people" have entered the country, many of whom he described as "unchecked and unvetted." He asserted that many of these individuals are criminals who need to be removed, emphasizing the need for strength and intelligence in this process.
The White House confirmed Trump's directive to Fox News, and the DHS reposted the statement. Trump concluded his remarks by telling ICE agents, "Keep those Crime Stat Records coming!" and "Remember, you are loved and respected in America."