ICE Chief Defends Aggressive Immigration Tactics Before Congress
Washington D.C. – Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons defended his agency’s actions before Congress. He stated officers would not be intimidated. This comes as the administration pursues its mass deportation plans. Lyons testified Tuesday, February 10, 2026, before the House Committee on Homeland Security.
The hearing focused on immigration enforcement. It followed the recent deaths of two Americans. These individuals were shot by federal officers in Minneapolis. Democrats questioned the agencies’ tactics. Republicans largely supported the administration’s agenda.
Defending Agency Operations
Todd Lyons asserted that ICE officers are fulfilling the president’s mandate. This mandate involves mass deportations. He stated, “Let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail.” Lyons blamed elected officials and protesters. He claimed their rhetoric endangered his officers.
Lyons stated that his officers would not be deterred. He added, “We are only getting started.” The administration’s immigration campaign has faced intense scrutiny. This scrutiny increased after the Minneapolis shootings. Critics argue the policies harm immigrants and protesters. The hearing did little to ease tensions over the administration’s core immigration policies.
Record Numbers in Enforcement
ICE conducted over 475,000 removals last year. The agency also made nearly 379,000 arrests. These figures represent the first year of the second Trump administration. Congress provided increased funding. This funding boosts detention capacity. It also supports more removal flights. The budget for FY 2026 includes significant investments. These target Enforcement and Removal Operations.
However, data suggests many arrested have no criminal record. Less than 14% of those arrested by ICE had violent criminal records. Nearly 40% of arrests were of individuals with no criminal history. These individuals faced civil immigration offenses. This includes unlawful presence or visa overstays. The number of ICE detainees surged significantly in 2025. It reached an all-time high of around 70,000.
Congressional Oversight and Broader Context
The hearing also included leaders from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These agencies are key to the administration’s immigration agenda. Democratic lawmakers demanded restraints on immigration officers. This demand came as Congress debated funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Agency heads warned of reduced safety if funds expired.
The shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good prompted the hearing. Both Lyons and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott stated standard procedures were followed. This followed investigations into the January shootings. However, Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson called it a “reckoning.” He criticized the department’s lack of transparency.
The Trump administration’s immigration policies have been called “hardline” and a “mass deportation” campaign. This includes detention and expulsion of hundreds of thousands. Legal interpretations have been challenged. This could lead to millions more immigrants facing mandatory detention. The administration’s strategy aims for 1 million removals annually. It also seeks 100,000 detention beds.
Future Implications
The testimony occurred amid ongoing debates about DHS funding. This highlights deep divisions on immigration enforcement. The administration maintains its actions improve American life. It claims mass deportations lower housing costs and raise wages. However, critics and immigration advocates raise concerns. They point to rights violations and questionable tactics. The future of immigration enforcement remains a central issue.
Key Figures in the Hearing
* Todd Lyons: Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
* Rodney Scott: Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
* Joseph Edlow: Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
* Rep. Andrew Garbarino: Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
* Rep. Bennie Thompson: Ranking Democratic Member of the committee.
These leaders presented their agencies’ roles. They defended their operations amidst intense public and congressional scrutiny. The discussions revealed significant policy differences. They also underscored the ongoing debate over the nation’s immigration strategy.
