Nearly a week after the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Houston, the agency has reportedly ordered officers to temporarily suspend most vehicle stops while it reviews its enforcement tactics.
According to reports by ABC News and NBC News, ICE issued the temporary directive as senior officials evaluate current enforcement operations. Citing sources familiar with the decision, the reports state that officers have been instructed to avoid most routine vehicle stops during the review. However, vehicle stops may still be authorized in cases involving individuals considered to pose a significant public safety threat.
The reported policy change follows the July 8 fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado during an attempted traffic stop in Houston, an incident that has drawn national attention and prompted multiple investigations.
Federal officials initially stated that Salgado had allegedly used his work van as a weapon by attempting to strike an ICE agent. However, according to interviews reported by The Washington Post, three surviving occupants of the van disputed that account, saying the driver did not attempt to hit officers and that agents opened fire from the sides of the vehicle. Those differing accounts remain part of the ongoing investigation.
The shooting has prompted calls for greater transparency from local officials. Houston Mayor John Whitmire has called for an independent investigation, stating that Salgado’s family deserves a full and transparent explanation of the events leading to his death.
Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz has confirmed that the investigation is being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, as the incident involved federal law enforcement personnel.
At this time, ICE has not confirmed how long the temporary suspension of most vehicle stops will remain in effect, nor has the agency stated whether the directive was issued specifically in response to the Houston shooting.
In a statement, an ICE spokesperson said the agency continually reviews its operational procedures but declined to discuss specific enforcement tactics.
“We are always evaluating our procedures to keep our officers safe and criminals off our streets. We will not disclose or discuss law enforcement tactics.”
The investigations into the fatal shooting remain ongoing, and authorities have not announced any findings regarding the use of force. Additional information is expected to be released as federal investigators continue reviewing the evidence and witness accounts.