By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been instructed to temporarily suspend most vehicle stops, except in cases involving “serious criminal targets,” while officers undergo additional vehicle stop training tactics.
- The policy change prohibits ERO officers from following identified suspects away from homes and workplaces, though agents may still assist partner law enforcement agencies with vehicle stops targeting criminal suspects named in judicial warrants.
- The decision follows two fatal shootings involving vehicle stops by ICE agents within the past week: one in Houston and one in Biddeford, Maine.
- Lorenzo Salgado Araujo died in Houston after ICE agents stopped his vehicle while searching for a different person; the Department of Homeland Security stated Araujo refused verbal commands and attempted to ram an officer.
- Joan Sebastian Guerrero was killed in Maine July 13 after reportedly attempting to flee from agents while in a vehicle; Guerrero was not the target of the operation but was in the country illegally.
WASHINGTON — Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued temporary guidance instructing agents to suspend most vehicle stops while officers complete additional training in vehicle stop tactics, according to sources who spoke with media outlets.
The policy applies to Enforcement and Removal Operations personnel and restricts agents from conducting vehicle stops except in cases involving “serious criminal targets.” Agents may continue assisting partner law enforcement agencies with vehicle stops targeting criminal suspects named in judicial warrants.
The suspension prohibits agents from following identified suspects away from residences and workplaces during current operations. The temporary measure remains in effect while officers participate in enhanced training programs.
The policy change follows two fatal shootings involving ICE vehicle stops occurring within a seven-day period.
In Houston, ICE agents conducted a vehicle stop while searching for a different individual. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo occupied the vehicle that was stopped. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Araujo refused to comply with multiple verbal commands and attempted to ram an officer before the shooting occurred. Araujo was transported to a hospital where he died.
In Biddeford, Maine, on July 13, ICE agents conducted an enforcement operation that resulted in the fatal shooting of Joan Sebastian Guerrero. According to reports, Guerrero was not the target of the DHS operation but was present in the vehicle. Guerrero was in the country illegally and reportedly attempted to flee from agents while operating the vehicle. Guerrero was fatally shot during the incident.
Both shootings remain under investigation by law enforcement authorities.