ICE Told to Stop Arresting Immigrants Without Criminal Convictions or Charges ICE officers told to stop arresting immigrants without criminal convictions or pending charges, limiting collateral arrests amid scrutiny and midterm election speculation. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been instructed to stop arresting immigrants who do not have criminal convictions or pending criminal charges, according to agency sources. The reported directive, issued in late August 2026, marks a shift in federal immigration enforcement priorities. It comes amid increased scrutiny of the Trump administration's immigration policies and ICE operations. Under the reported directive, ICE agents may arrest immigrants with criminal convictions or pending criminal charges. However, those with final deportation orders but no criminal convictions or charges would not be arrested. The change would also end so-called collateral arrests, under which officers may detain others without legal status encountered while pursuing a criminal target. Sources indicate the directive aims to focus resources on individuals with criminal backgrounds.Several ICE officers expressed frustration about the reported change. One source suggested it could be linked to the upcoming midterm elections. The source said, We believe it has something to do with the midterms coming up. They are trying to calm things down before the elections. This internal discontent highlights tensions within the agency over shifting enforcement strategies.The reported change comes about a week after an ICE officer shot and wounded a Venezuelan man in Texas during an attempted traffic stop. The officer, hired by ICE last year after previously working for another federal law enforcement agency, had been issued a body camera but was not wearing it during the incident, according to US media reports citing federal officials. The shooting raised concerns about ICE tactics and accountability.In response, ICE reminded officers that they must activate their body cameras during enforcement activities, according to an internal notice cited by The Washington Post. This reminder underscores ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with agency protocols. The incident and the subsequent directive reflect broader debates over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.A federal judge ordered Wilber Rafael Garces Perez from Venezuela to appear at a 30 September hearing, temporarily preventing his deportation. This case is separate from the reported directive but illustrates the complex legal landscape surrounding immigration enforcement. Garces Perez's situation highlights the intersections of judicial oversight and agency actions.The reported directive and the Texas shooting have drawn attention to ICE's practices. Immigration advocates have long criticized collateral arrests and the detention of individuals without criminal records. The change, if implemented, could reduce such arrests and focus on higher-priority targets. However, it remains to be seen how the directive will be enforced and its impact on overall immigration enforcement.The reported directive may signal a temporary adjustment in ICE operations as the midterm elections approach. Sources within ICE suggest the change is intended to calm tensions before the elections. This political context adds another layer to the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States.As the situation develops, ICE officers and immigration advocates will be watching closely. The agency's enforcement priorities could continue to evolve based on legal challenges, public opinion, and political considerations. The Trump administration's immigration policies remain a focal point of national discussion, with this directive representing a notable shift in arrest practices. The midterm elections add urgency to the debate, as both supporters and critics of the administration's approach await further developments.