The Department of Homeland Security temporarily paused most non-urgent Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle stops following an officer-involved shooting in Maine, prompting concern among ICE personnel that the move could slow immigration enforcement.
Border czar Tom Homan, however, said the directive is not a permanent policy change and insisted the agency remains prepared to continue its operations, as reported by Townhall.
The temporary pause followed an incident in Biddeford, Maine, involving 26-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero, an illegal immigrant from Colombia.
Video released on July 14 showed part of the ICE operation.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Guerrero was shot after he allegedly attempted to flee while federal agents were trying to stop a vehicle that had left a residence under surveillance.
Authorities said he reportedly tried to run over federal agents during the encounter.
The incident prompted DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to order ICE to suspend nearly all non-urgent vehicle stops while the situation is reviewed.
The directive quickly sparked concern among immigration officers who rely heavily on traffic stops during enforcement operations.
Posts circulating on social media stated that Senator Susan Collins confirmed that Mullin personally issued the order to suspend non-urgent vehicle stops.
Critics argued the decision could reduce the agency’s ability to arrest illegal immigrants who would otherwise be encountered during routine enforcement efforts.
Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported that multiple ICE sources expressed frustration with the temporary directive.
“In speaking with numerous ICE sources today, most are expressing frustration that this will cause their arrest numbers to fall off a cliff while in effect,” Melugin wrote.
“A large majority of their arrests involve vehicle stops. They will now largely have to rely on court arrests, detainer…”
Despite those concerns, Homan said reports suggesting ICE operations would be significantly disrupted were overstated.
Appearing on Fox News, Homan rejected speculation that recent officer-involved shootings were the result of inadequate training among ICE personnel.
“The officers involved in these shootings are well-trained. They’re not a part of that new hires […] I asked ICE to give me the training curriculum for the academy.…”
Homan also emphasized that the suspension is temporary and does not represent a long-term shift in enforcement policy.
“It’s not a policy change, it’s a temporary pause […] I think it’s gonna be a short pause, and I’m confident ICE is well-trained in vehicle stops, and you’re gonna see us keep moving forward”
He also disputed claims that ICE arrest numbers would significantly decline because of the temporary order.
“Let me say this too: I hear a lot of noise, this is going to affect ICE arrests, and it’s not going to”
Homan explained that ICE agents often have the intelligence necessary to apprehend illegal immigrants before they ever enter a vehicle, reducing the need for traffic stops in some cases.
“We know vehicle assaults are up 3,400 percent. So, if we can arrest that alien outside that vehicle and take that two-ton weapon away from them, that’s good in some instances.”
According to Homan, ICE officers remain capable of carrying out immigration enforcement while minimizing unnecessary risks to agents and the public.
He indicated that vehicle stops will likely resume after the temporary review period concludes.
The pause comes as ICE continues immigration enforcement operations nationwide amid increased attention on officer safety.
While some agents worry the temporary directive could complicate day-to-day operations, Homan maintained that ICE’s training, intelligence gathering, and operational planning will allow the agency to continue making arrests even while the temporary restrictions remain in place.
