ICE agents instructed to end most vehicle stops in major policy shift

By Peter Pinedo, Bill Melugin

Published July 14, 2026

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In a major policy shift, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are being instructed to end "most" vehicle stops nationwide, effective immediately.

According to multiple federal sources, ICE agents will cease making traffic stops, which have played a significant role in the agency’s operations till now. A federal source told Fox News that ICE will continue conducting vehicle stops only for those considered to be the most egregious targets with serious or violent criminal histories.

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This comes after two people were killed in ICE officer-involved shootings in Maine and Texas in the last week.

ICE agents check cars for illegal immigrants.

Federal law enforcement officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) conduct a traffic stop and detain people, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)

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This is a developing story, check back for more.

Peter Pinedo is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ice-agents-instructed-end-most-vehicle-stops-major-policy-shift