Two fatal shootings of motorists by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have prompted a federal suspension of most vehicle stops. The incidents, occurring in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, involved agents who, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statements, opened fire under the belief that victims were using their vehicles as weapons. Legal experts and victim advocates are now calling for a fundamental shift in agency protocols, citing a pattern of inaccurate threat assessments and the absence of body-worn cameras.
Recent Fatalities Spark Policy Review
The recent deaths of 26-year-old Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine and 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas have intensified scrutiny of ICE enforcement tactics. According to the DHS, agents shot Durán Guerrero after he allegedly attempted to flee a vehicle stop. Maine Sen. Angus King stated that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed the officers were serving an arrest warrant, though not for the man who was killed. Advocacy groups, including the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, noted that Durán Guerrero was authorized to work in the U.S.
In Houston, federal authorities in unmarked vehicles pursued Salgado Araujo, a homebuilder and father of three. The agency claimed he rammed an ICE vehicle, prompting an officer to fire in self-defense. However, witnesses, including passengers in the van, disputed this account, according to reports from The Washington Post. The DHS later acknowledged that Salgado Araujo “resembled” the intended target of their operation.
Did you know?
According to The New York Times, ICE has shot at more than 20 people since last September, with nearly all of those encounters occurring while the individuals were inside vehicles.
The Debate Over ‘Moving Vehicle’ Protocols
Rachel Moran, a professor and founder of the Criminal and Juvenile Defense Clinic at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, argues that shooting at moving vehicles is a systemic failure. “I would like to see, first of all, a policy that’s in line with the vast majority of police departments in the country, which is that you don’t shoot at moving vehicles,” Moran said. She characterizes the current DHS approach as “extreme carelessness,” noting that the agency has repeatedly made “demonstrably false” claims regarding whether victims were weaponizing their vehicles.
This pattern of conflicting accounts is not new. In January, the DHS claimed Renee Good “weaponized” her vehicle before being shot by officials—a claim later contradicted by video footage. Similarly, the agency claimed 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez intentionally ran over an agent in March 2025, a narrative also challenged by subsequent video evidence.
Pressure for Numerical Targets and Training Gaps
Experts suggest that the current enforcement climate is exacerbated by internal pressures to meet high arrest quotas. The New York Times reported that the White House wanted 2,000 arrests per day. David Harris, a professor of criminal law, criminal procedure and evidence at the University of Pittsburgh, warned that such pressure creates a “recipe for things to go wrong.”
“When it becomes a numbers game, agents will start looking for people who fit the broad description of suspects,” Harris said. He pointed out that agents are often tasked with police powers without police training, such as expertise in conducting traffic stops. “The common thread here is that the mission is not public safety. The mission is something else,” Harris added.
Pro Tip:
Legal experts suggest that the suspension of vehicle stops should be utilized by the DHS to overhaul training protocols. The current policy allows for exceptions when executing a criminal warrant or working with partner agencies, leaving questions regarding how strictly the suspension will be enforced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the DHS suspend vehicle stops?
Following two fatal shootings of motorists, officials have ordered a suspension of most vehicle stops. The move comes amid growing pressure to address the safety risks associated with high-stakes enforcement and instances of mistaken identity.
Are ICE agents required to wear bodycams?
No. In both the Biddeford and Houston incidents, the agents involved were not wearing body-worn cameras, which has complicated the verification of agency claims regarding the use of force.
What are the primary criticisms of ICE’s current tactics?
Legal experts and advocacy groups criticize the agency for a history of “demonstrably false” statements regarding whether victims were using vehicles as weapons. Critics also point to the lack of specialized police training and the focus on high-volume arrest quotas as drivers of preventable violence.
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