politics
DHS Ends Marked ICE Vehicles, Returns to Unmarked Fleet
The Department of Homeland Security has removed custom wraps from Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicles and resumed use of unmarked cars. The change follows a shift in operational approach under new leadership.
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The Department of Homeland Security has removed the "Defend the Homeland" and "President Donald J. Trump" markings from Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicles and returned to unmarked cars. The agency spent more than $2 million on hundreds of vehicles and custom wraps under the previous secretary.
Government contracts had required the markings, citing needs for field deployment and officer safety.
Shift in enforcement tactics Under current leadership, officials have increased use of agreements with local and state law enforcement to identify and detain immigrants already in custody. The approach replaces earlier reliance on marked vehicles and public-facing operations.
" White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated that deportation numbers continue to increase.
Background on vehicle purchases Documents reviewed last summer showed plans to acquire 100 vehicles every 60 days, with a minimum of 1,000 marked units. ICE agents had expressed concerns about using the marked fleet, according to earlier reporting. The vehicles were purchased by the previous deputy secretary, who left the agency in January.
