ICE issues new memo banning high-speed chases and tightening traffic stop rules
ICE has prohibited agents from pursuing vehicles at high speed and now requires specific training before conducting traffic stops.
ICE agents have been instructed, via an internal memo signed by executive associate director Marcos D. Charles, to cease all high-speed vehicle chases and to conduct traffic stops only after completing one of five agency-approved training programs. The directive requires that stop vehicles display lights and sirens, that all officers on scene wear and activate body cameras, and that only trained agents may use controversial tactics such as pinning or spike strips.
The policy change responds to more than a dozen shootings during vehicle stops since last year, which have killed at least four people and wounded several others. After fatal shootings in Maine and Texas, the agency briefly paused most stops, but was later urged by President Donald Trump to resume them. The memo also clarifies that officers without the required training may only serve in a support role during stops. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not commented on the new guidance.
Why it matters
The new rules aim to reduce deadly confrontations during ICE traffic stops and improve officer and public safety.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTCentrist coverage frames the memo as a safety-driven change that bans high-speed chases and tightens stop rules after officers were shot, while right-leaning coverage frames it as a Trump administration move that narrows traffic-stop authority to agents with extensive training.
CENTER
Centrist coverage presents the memo as a safety-oriented policy shift that restricts risky pursuits and requires specific training for traffic stops.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage portrays the memo as a Trump-era tightening that limits stop authority to agents who have completed extensive training programs.
The right emphasises
- limits stop authority to agents who have completed five training programs
- bars agents from vehicle pursuits or PIT maneuvers
- requires recording vehicle details for later investigation
How this story developed
- Sep 20 Person shot by ICE agents in North Austin hospitalized, officials demand investigation
- Sep 23 The Barbara Jordan Center survey of 1,800 likely voters conducted Sept. 15-19 finds Talarico far ahead of Paxton with young voters, a swing of 17 points since July. Overall, the race is essentially tied, with Talarico at 47% and Paxton at 46%. A Talarico victory would mark the first statewide Democratic win in Texas in more than three decades. Paxton’s recent student-chapter outreach has not halted the shift toward his opponent among Gen Z.
- Sep 27 A federal judge scheduled a personal appearance for the man on September 30 and issued a temporary order halting his deportation.
- Sep 29 Jasmine Crockett announced she will not endorse James Talarico.
- Oct 1 A federal indictment charging Garces Perez with assault was filed.
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