Trump slams ICE decision to suspend traffic stops after two shootings

President Donald Trump fiercely criticized the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency's decision to temporarily suspend traffic stops, a practice he deemed essential for crime fighting. The suspension followed two fatal shootings involving ICE agents within a week.

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We CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!

The Department of Homeland Security halted the practice after a Colombian man was shot dead in Maine and a Mexican man was killed during an operation in Texas. Trump took to his Truth Social network to express his strong disapproval, stating, "We CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!"

He argued that ceasing this practice would benefit criminals and vowed it would not happen on his watch, urging ICE to be "judicious, fair and smart" and resume its duties. Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, confirmed a "pause" in traffic stops but asserted their effectiveness and expected return. ICE agents have faced criticism for aggressive tactics and involvement in the deaths of U.S. citizens earlier this year.

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Once we do, we are playing right into the criminal’s hands. The Radical Left Dumocrats would like to see this done, but it won’t happen on my watch. I.C.E., be judicious, fair and smart, and go back and do your very important job.

Rights groups identified the Maine victim as Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a legal resident. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the killing as "murder of a Latin American Colombian at the hands of the US government." In the Texas incident, authorities claimed the victim, Lorenzo Salgado, attempted to run over an agent, a claim disputed by witnesses.

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murder of a Latin American Colombian at the hands of the US government.