Total Confusion at ICE: Agents Told Overnight to Stop Arresting ‘Non-Criminal’ Illegal Aliens — DHS Insists No Policy Change, Claims Directive Was Erroneous ‘Miscommunication,’

ICE officers across the country were reportedly given verbal orders to stop arresting illegal aliens without criminal convictions or pending charges, and to end collateral arrests. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied these reports, stating that no one is off the table and ICE will continue to arrest and deport illegal immigrants. Subsequent reports indicated the verbal guidance was erroneous and a miscommunication, with President Trump confirming that all illegal immigrants remain eligible for arrest and deportation.

• ICE officers reportedly received verbal instructions to cease arresting non-criminal illegal aliens and to stop collateral arrests.
• DHS initially denied any policy change, calling the reports false and emphasizing continued enforcement against all illegal immigrants.
• Reports suggested the verbal guidance was a miscommunication regarding prioritization of “worst first” cases.
• President Trump confirmed to Fox News that all illegal immigrants remain subject to arrest and deportation.
• New guidance was reportedly sent to ICE field offices to reaffirm existing enforcement policies, including collateral arrests.
• DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated ICE is not conducting worksite operations in Kansas, focusing instead on targeting criminals and those with final deportation orders.