FBI directs shift of ICE assault investigations to HSI

The FBI has instructed its agents nationwide to no longer investigate certain confrontations involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to internal guidance distributed to field offices last week. The directive, which was shared with FBI managers on July 16, would shift responsibility for investigating alleged assaults on federal immigration officers to Homeland Security Investigations, an investigative arm of ICE itself.

The Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security issued a joint statement disputing that any policy change has occurred. They stated that the relationship between the agencies in investigating assault-on-federal-officer cases remains unchanged and that the FBI will continue to investigate in accordance with its policies. They added that anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, multiple sources briefed on the internal notice confirm the guidance has been circulated.

If implemented, the shift would significantly alter oversight of immigration enforcement. Because Homeland Security Investigations lacks jurisdiction to investigate civil rights violations, critics argue the...