US President Donald Trump reapproved immigration agency ICE’s controversial traffic enforcement practices. In doing so, he challenged leading figures in his government who temporarily suspended the practice after several fatal shootings of drivers by officers. “We must be strong, resilient and smart, and we cannot do without one of ICE’s most important and effective tools in the fight against crime: traffic enforcement!” Trump wrote on the online platform. His about-face came after sharp criticism from Republican hardliners over the suspension of controls.
Criticism of immigration authorities’ approach has been renewed after an ICE officer in the US state of Maine shot and killed a Colombian man in his car this week. Just six days earlier, another officer killed a Mexican citizen in Houston. In both cases, the killed drivers were reportedly not the actual targets of the operations. Authorities have yet to present any evidence that the men posed a threat that could justify the use of lethal force. The incidents sparked protests.
At least seven people have died in ICE operations
As a result of these incidents, Maine’s Democratic governor, Janet Mills, recently called for reform or even the abolition of ICE. She wrote to state members of Congress that they must demand that ICE respect the rule of law and protect everyone’s safety.
Since the start of Trump’s second presidency in January 2025, there has been… USA Several mass deportation operations were carried out. Since then, at least seven people have been shot and killed during immigration operations and 53 people have died in ICE custody.
What now? – Daily morning review
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the country and operates under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security. Their methods have long been controversial. Mass protests were sparked last January by the fatal shootings of US citizens Renee Goode and Alex Pretty in Minneapolis by federal officers. The cases led to the ouster of then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who had harsh rhetoric against migrants. Her successor, Markwayne Mullin, announced at a Senate hearing that he wanted to pursue a more moderate course.
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