FBI will no longer investigate ICE shootings, agents are told: report

Key Points:

• The FBI has reportedly been instructed to stop investigating shootings involving immigration agents, shifting such investigations to be handled internally by the Department of Homeland Security, according to a New York Times report.
• This change follows two recent fatal shootings by ICE agents in Texas and Maine, which have intensified scrutiny of the agency and pressure on the Trump administration.
• Despite reports of the FBI directive, the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security issued a joint statement denying any change in investigative procedures, affirming the FBI will continue to investigate assaults on federal officers.
• Guidance suggests that Homeland Security Investigations, part of ICE, would take over investigations involving its own officers, raising concerns about impartiality.
• The Trump administration has emphasized strict prosecution of assaults on federal officers, with officials advocating felony charges for anyone making physical contact with agents, punishable by up to eight years in prison.