New ICE policy halts most vehicle stops nationwide, following shootings in Maine and Houston

Agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are being told to end most vehicle stops nationwide. The policy goes into effect immediately. 

The stops have played a major role in the agency's operations until this new policy, Fox News reported, citing unnamed sources in the federal government. 

Under the new policy, ICE will conduct vehicle stops only for those considered to be key targets, such as those with violent criminal histories. 

The policy comes after two ICE-involved shootings in Houston and Maine have drew scrutiny over the proper use of force in the course of agents' activities.