Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were allegedly instructed to take a softer approach to arrests on Election Day, according to three agency sources who spoke to The Daily Wire. The directives, described as verbal rather than formal written orders, reportedly included avoiding street arrests of undocumented immigrants and temporarily halting vehicle stops—a tactic previously used after officer-involved shootings earlier this year.
‘An Easy Day’ for Enforcement
One source characterized Tuesday as “an easy day” for officers, noting they were told to focus only on transfers from local jails rather than proactive arrests. Another confirmed vehicle stops were paused, though arrests still occurred when individuals exited cars. The sources suggested the move was politically motivated, with one lamenting the agency’s shifting priorities: “It’s all political, but I get why they say rest because some guys are wild. They don’t want anything that would look bad.”
DHS Pushes Back
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputed claims of scaled-back enforcement, providing The Daily Wire with a list of five criminal undocumented immigrants arrested on Election Day, including individuals convicted of attempted murder, child molestation, and aggravated assault. “365 days per year, the hardworking men and women of ICE law enforcement are targeting and arresting criminal illegal aliens,” a spokesperson said, emphasizing operations continued “on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and yes, Election Day.”
Political Tensions Flare
An ICE source tied the alleged orders to optics: “We don’t want to give the left any reason or idea that we’re interfering somehow or intimidating people on Election Day.” The agency stoked further controversy with a social media post warning against illegal voting, prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to threaten arrests of any ICE agents at polling places. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin denied deploying officers to guard polls, stating they would only appear “if there is a threat” or to serve warrants.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/exclusive-ice-officers-told-to-take-softer-approach-on-election-day-sources-say