ICE Issues Written Rules Narrowing Who Can Conduct Vehicle Stops

The guidance requires trained ERO officers, mandated body cameras, lights-and-sirens on stopping vehicles, and a ban on pursuits to reduce high-risk encounters.

Overview

The agency circulated written guidance this week that says only Enforcement and Removal Operations officers who have completed specified ICE training may lead traditional or high‑risk vehicle stops.
All officers on scene must activate agency-issued body-worn cameras and use vehicles with lights and sirens when making stops, while officers who lack the training may only serve in support roles.
The memo bars officers from engaging in vehicle pursuits when drivers fail to stop and instructs them to record identifying information for later investigation instead.
The guidance allows pinning and use of tire‑deflation devices only under defined safety conditions and only when officers have received the required training to use those tactics.
The written rules, reported by multiple outlets Thursday, replace earlier informal pauses and verbal instructions but DHS and ICE have not publicly explained how the policy will be implemented across field offices or enforced.