US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been instructed to halt most vehicle stops nationwide following two fatal shootings involving agents in Texas and Maine. This suspension, reported by US media citing law enforcement sources, excludes cases involving serious criminal targets. It represents a significant tactical change for ICE, which has previously faced criticism regarding the use of force and deaths during its operations.

Former ICE acting director Tom Homan described the move as a "temporary pause" rather than a policy change, asserting that deportations will continue. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that the agency "will not disclose or discuss law enforcement tactics" but is "always evaluating our procedures to keep our officers safe and criminals off our streets."

The agency's decision comes after an ICE agent fatally shot a 26-year-old Colombian national in Biddeford, Maine, who allegedly attempted to flee and endangered public safety. Less than a week prior, an ICE officer shot and killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, in Houston, Texas, during an operation where Araujo was mistakenly targeted. Both incidents have triggered protests and are under investigation.