DHS Denies Report That ICE Was Told to Avoid Non-Criminal Arrests
The Department of Homeland Security rejected reports that immigration agents were told to stop arresting people without criminal records. DHS said no one is exempt from enforcement and that ICE is targeting criminal immigrants in sanctuary cities. The Daily Wire had reported a policy change ending collateral arrests, but a Fox News reporter said officials described it as a miscommunication.
DHS rejected claims that ICE agents were instructed to halt arrests of immigrants lacking criminal records. The Daily Wire had said a shift would limit enforcement to those with criminal histories and stop collateral arrests. Fox News’ Bill Melugin reported that Trump and ICE/DHS sources called the guidance erroneous, describing a miscommunication tied to prioritizing the “worst first.”
Melugin said Saturday-night guidance to field offices reaffirmed no policy change, meaning collateral arrests would continue. DHS did not immediately confirm that guidance to The Washington Sun. ABC News reported 21 people shot by ICE agents, eight fatally.
The dispute may affect immigrants in sanctuary cities, especially those without criminal records, who could face continued arrest risk if collateral arrests persist. It may also intensify scrutiny of ICE practices and public trust in official communications, particularly after recent shootings. Local communities and officials could see further tension over enforcement priorities, while DHS’s denial may shape how advocates and reporters interpret future guidance.