Full Breakdown
Trump Overrules DHS Pause on ICE Vehicle Stops
7/19/2026, 9:04:21 PM
Trump Reverses ICE Vehicle-Stop Pause
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that ICE must retain “the traffic stop” as a crime-fighting tool, overturning a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo that had suspended most vehicle stops after two fatal shootings involving ICE officers in Minneapolis. The president warned that abandoning the practice would “play right into the criminal’s hands.”
Background: Fatal Shootings Prompt DHS Action
In early July 2026, two U.S. citizens were killed by ICE officers during vehicle-stop encounters in Minneapolis. The incidents sparked public outcry and led DHS Secretary Alejandro Mullin, who assumed the role in March, to issue an internal order halting routine traffic stops pending review.
Official Statements & Responses
- “We CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!” — President Donald Trump, Truth Social post
- “Once we do, we are playing right into the criminal’s hands.” — President Donald Trump, Truth Social post
- “President Trump and I are on the same page.” — Alejandro Mullin, DHS Secretary, statement to The Atlantic
- “We want our ICE officers to have all options available to keep them safe while executing our mission of deporting as many illegal alien criminals from our country as possible.” — Alejandro Mullin, DHS Secretary
Mullin’s public statement emphasized officer safety and the danger of “illegal aliens attempting to evade arrest,” while noting that ICE had not yet issued a formal reversal of the pause.
Criticism & Opposition
MAGA influencers—including Tomi Lahren, former Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, and podcaster Steve Bannon—publicly condemned the DHS pause, labeling Mullin “soft” and an “appeaser.” Within right-leaning circles, Mullin earned the nickname “Kung Fu Plumber,” referencing his plumbing business and mixed-martial-arts background.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
DHS officials told reporters the pause would not have been issued without White House input, yet a senior administration official denied any prior White House approval. ICE has not formally issued new guidance reversing the vehicle-stop memo, leaving the operational status of the policy uncertain.
