Debate Over ICE’s Use of Unmarked Vehicles

White House border czar Tom Homan defended the use of unmarked vehicles by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” He clashed with moderator Margaret Brennan regarding the events that led to a fatal shooting in Houston. Homan stated that unmarked vehicles assist officers in locating suspects and argued that compliance during vehicle stops could prevent such fatalities.

“But bottom line is, we’ll see when the investigation plays out, but they’d be alive today if they simply complied with a vehicle stop by federal law enforcement officer. Just comply,” Homan said.

Brennan addressed the concerns surrounding the use of an unmarked vehicle in the case of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer. Salgado’s family claimed he thought he was being pursued by robbers, not federal agents. “The family of the man in Houston said that he thought he was being robbed because it was an unmarked vehicle,” Brennan pointed out.

Homan answered that ICE vehicles have equipment that allows officers to identify themselves, mentioning the use of emergency lights. “They had emergency lights. They activate emergency lights. Blue lights,” he insisted.

Brennan challenged Homan’s assertion, noting that available videos did not show emergency lights and that the officers involved were not wearing body cameras. Homan admitted he had not viewed the videos, but emphasized that vehicles should have lights and sirens. “Now, if they didn’t activate the lights, again, I haven’t seen that video,” he added.

Homan highlighted that many police departments, such as New York City’s, use unmarked vehicles to locate individuals who do not wish to be found. He supported the nationwide use of body cameras for ICE officers, explaining that camera footage would provide the public with an officer’s point of view during encounters.

“I think body cameras are the way to go,” Homan stated. “I think body cameras let the American people know what that officer sees when he takes that action.” He shared that ICE has purchased cameras and is training personnel to use them across the country.

Salgado was not the operation’s intended target. Federal authorities reported that he attempted to ram a federal vehicle, prompting an officer to shoot in self-defense. Witnesses in Salgado’s vehicle disputed this account.

In another incident, an ICE officer in Biddeford, Maine, shot and killed a Colombian driver who was not a target. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mentioned the officer fired out of concern for public safety. Investigations into both shootings are ongoing.

Additionally, a 28-year-old Mexican national died after being hit by a tractor-trailer while fleeing federal agents in St. Augustine, Florida.