ICE Forced to Rein In Two Controversial Tactics Within 24 Hours
A judge criticized the Trump administration over a courthouse arrests policy, while a memo pulled agents back from vehicle stops.
Within a span of 24 hours, federal immigration agents have been instructed to modify their tactics for apprehending alleged illegal immigrants. A federal judge has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cannot detain individuals at immigration court across the nation, while ICE's executive associate director has issued a policy memorandum restricting traffic stops.
These changes may significantly impact how agents identify those in the U.S. without legal status but who do not necessarily have criminal records. The agency, under the Department of Homeland Security, has faced criticism for its use of vehicle stops and high-speed chases, resulting in injuries. A recent incident in Austin involved an immigrant shot in the back after fleeing federal agents who stopped him during a DoorDash delivery.
The judge, P. Kevin Castel, an appointee of George W. Bush, found the Trump administration's policy of arresting immigrants at their court hearings arbitrary and capricious. The judge stated that people should be able to attend court, participate in their cases, and leave without fear. Additionally, a policy enacted during President Joe Biden's term, which prevented agents from making arrests at courthouses, was revoked in 2025.
This led to detentions at both criminal and immigration courts, prompting immigrant advocates to challenge the move.
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