Fox News reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field offices around the country were given verbal guidance to pull back on arrests of immigrants without criminal histories, citing multiple unnamed sources familiar with the matter. The guidance was rescinded within hours, Fox News said. Donald Trump told Fox News there had been no change in an enforcement posture that prioritizes—but is not limited to—the “worst first.”
Backlash, fast reversal
According to Fox News, the reported guidance drew immediate criticism from immigration policy advocates and raised questions about mixed signals on enforcement. Fox News did not identify who issued the verbal instruction.
Mike Howell—identified in the Fox News reporting as part of the Mass Deportation Coalition—credited public pressure for the about-face: “It was walked back, allegedly, which is great, and I think it was in large part walked back because people spoke out very, very loudly.”
Separate dispute over “worksite operations in Kansas”
The same commentary that flagged the ICE guidance also said a post attributed to DHS leadership stated the department was “not conducting worksite operations in Kansas,” described as a response to concerns from Sen. Roger Marshall after ICE activity unsettled agricultural communities. We have not independently verified that post.
Howell reacted to that claim by saying, “If Mayorkas tweeted that, I would have immediately called for his impeachment: for flagrant admission that they are not enforcing the laws and faithfully executing them. It was amnesty by another means.” He clarified he was not calling for the official’s impeachment, according to the commentary.
Analyst warns about mixed messages
Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies said, “All of this comes on the backdrop of conflicting goals and messages within the administration on immigration.” He also cautioned, “You don’t tweet out that you’re not doing what voters want you to do,” according to the account quoted by Fox News.
What we don’t know yet
- Who issued the reported verbal guidance to ICE field offices.
- Whether any written directive exists or was circulated.
- Authenticity and full context of the “not conducting worksite operations in Kansas” post.
- Exact timing beyond “within hours” for the reported rescission.
