ICE Has Quietly Changed Its Deadly-Force Rule
ICE has implemented a new policy requiring officers involved in deadly-force incidents to remain on desk duty until investigations are completed. This change replaces a previous rule that allowed officers to return to patrol duties in as little as three days.
Why it matters
The policy change represents a significant shift in law enforcement accountability and internal oversight regarding the use of force.
Officers under investigation can no longer return quickly to the streets.
Spencer Platt / Getty August 25, 2026 Share Save Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 7:39 I CE quietly enacted new rules this month that will keep officers involved in deadly-force incidents—such as firing a gun and using a choke hold—off the streets until the completion of an investigation. Previously, these officers were able to return to their regular job in as few as three days. Now they must remain on desk duty until they are cleared by investigators, according to two senior ICE officials with knowledge of the change, who spoke with me on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss agency matters with reporters.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in