Acting Attorney General Blanche Faces Confirmation Hearing, ICE Temporarily Halts Most Traffic Stops

Why it matters locally: The temporary halt of most U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) traffic stops could affect operations for agencies like the Burleigh County Sheriffs Department and the Grand Forks County Sheriffs Office if they engage in joint enforcement activities with federal immigration officials.

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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is scheduled for a confirmation hearing before the Senate. This proceeding will examine his qualifications and suitability for the permanent role of Attorney General. Separately, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has temporarily suspended the majority of its traffic stop operations. The agency implemented this change in policy after recent shootings that resulted in fatalities. Blanche's appearance before the Senate marks a procedural step in the process of confirming a new Attorney General. Senators will question him on various topics during the hearing. The Department of Justice released a photograph showing Blanche speaking during a press conference on June 23, 2026, in Washington, D.C., where he announced annual healthcare fraud takedown results.