Trump Clarifies ICE Arrest Policy After Confusing Guidance

The Confusion Clears Up

President Trump confirmed Saturday evening that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents can still arrest illegal immigrants without criminal records. The White House denied reports that field offices received orders to stop these arrests just days ago. Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported that verbal guidance to prioritize the “worst first” caused the initial alarm among agents.

Agents described the sudden shift as shocking and frustrating when they heard the news. Melugin wrote on X that sources later clarified the directive was a “miscommunication” rather than a formal policy change. New guidance arrived Saturday evening to reaffirm that the administration’s enforcement policy had not changed.

“There is no change in immigration enforcement policy,” Melugin wrote on X. This statement came after agents feared they could no longer detain “collaterals” or people found during other operations.

Agents Voice Their Frustration

Some ICE officers told The Daily Wire they believed the pause on non-criminal arrests was real. Federal agents were reportedly restricted to arresting individuals with existing criminal convictions or charges for now, according to sources. A single officer proposed that this action could be a strategy to secure public support ahead of the midterms.

“We believe it has something to do with the midterms coming up,” one source said. Another agent predicted arrest numbers would drop if the change stuck.

This confusion follows a shooting in Austin where an ICE officer shot a Venezuelan migrant. Although equipped with a body camera, the recently hired officer was not wearing the device. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the shooting happened after a “small foot pursuit.”

Leadership Under Scrutiny

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin faces questions after the White House pulled his choice to lead ICE. The New York Times reported that Lance Schroyer’s nomination was withdrawn recently. One source questioned if agency heads informed Trump regarding the halt on arrests.

Similar issues arose in July when Mullin briefly halted ICE traffic stops after two fatal shootings. Following his opposition to the pause, Trump immediately reinstated those stops. One source expressed hope that the President would find out about the current situation.

“I hope Trump finds out about this sh*t and puts an end to it,” the source said. The administration promises an aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration and expanded deportations.

President Trump stated to Fox News that ICE retains the authority to arrest and deport anyone illegally present in the country. Agents will proceed with arresting illegal immigrants lacking further criminal records, such as “collaterals.” The sources said the administration’s broader immigration enforcement agenda remains in place.

Public approval on immigration has dipped to 43 percent, down from a high of 48 percent last summer. As public opinion turns against the White House’s management of illegal immigrants, this decline is occurring.