ICE Temporarily Suspends Most Vehicle Interceptions Following Fatal Shootings

The Trump administration has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to suspend most vehicle stops across the country. This directive follows two separate incidents where ICE agents fatally shot individuals during vehicle interceptions.

Matthew Albence, acting director of ICE, issued the order. The New York Times reported on June 19, 2020, that Albence described the incidents as “tragic” in a memo to employees. He stated that agents would no longer conduct vehicle stops unless they had specific authorization or faced exigent circumstances. The memo cited agents’ safety and public confidence as reasons for the policy change, according to The New York Times.

The first incident occurred on June 10 in central Maine. ICE agents fatally shot Isaias Hernandez, 35, during an attempt to arrest him. Hernandez, a Colombian national, was wanted on drug charges in New York, according to The Boston Globe. Agents attempted to intercept Hernandez’s truck, but he reportedly reversed into an agent's vehicle and then drove forward, endangering an agent, according to AP News. Agents fired multiple shots, killing Hernandez. He died at the scene.

The second incident took place on May 17 in Houston, Texas. ICE agents fatally shot another individual during a vehicle stop. Details surrounding this incident have not been widely reported.

The new directive does not restrict officers from apprehending individuals at homes or workplaces. It specifically targets vehicle interdictions. This marks a shift in operational tactics for the agency. The AP News reported that the order aims to reduce the likelihood of similar confrontational situations during vehicle stops.