FBI Reportedly Directed to Stop Investigating ICE Confrontations, Shifting Oversight to ICE's Own Arm

The New York Times reported July 19, 2026 that the FBI has been directed to stop investigating confrontations involving ICE agents. Responsibility would fall to Homeland Security Investigations, a component of ICE itself. DHS and DOJ denied the report. HSI lacks jurisdiction over civil rights violations, leaving no clear replacement for the FBI's oversight. ICE agents killed two civilians in the preceding two weeks.